[489] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Now at that time the bhikkhunīs of the group of six, having asked for oil, consumed it. (Abridged.) Having asked for honey, they consumed it. Having asked for molasses, they consumed it. Having asked for fish, they consumed it. Having asked for meat, they consumed it. Having asked for milk, they consumed it.¹ Having asked for curd, they consumed it.
People complained, criticized, and spread it about, saying: "How can bhikkhunīs, having asked for curd, consume it? To whom is well-prepared food not agreeable? To whom is sweet food not pleasing?"
The bhikkhunīs heard those people complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … they complained, criticized, and spread it about, saying: "How can the bhikkhunīs of the group of six, having asked for curd, consume it?" …
"Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that the bhikkhunīs of the group of six, having asked for curd, consume it?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How, bhikkhus, can the bhikkhunīs of the group of six, having asked for curd, consume it? This, bhikkhus, is neither for the confidence of those without confidence [nor for the increase of those already confident] … And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"Whatever bhikkhunī, having asked for curd, should consume it, it is to be confessed by that bhikkhunī thus: 'Venerable ladies, I have committed a blameworthy thing (dhammaṃ), unsuitable, which ought to be confessed (pāṭidesanīya); I confess it.'"
And thus this training rule was laid down by the Blessed One for the bhikkhunīs.
¹ [Editorial footnote in the Pali: "The reading should be pivanti ('they drink')."]
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.