[495] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Now at that time the bhikkhunīs of the group of six wore their lower robes hanging down in front and hanging down behind. People criticized, complained, and spread it about: "How can bhikkhunīs wear their lower robes hanging down in front and hanging down behind, just like householder women who enjoy sensual pleasures?"
The bhikkhunīs heard those people criticizing, complaining, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … criticized, complained, and spread it about: "How can the bhikkhunīs of the group of six wear their lower robes hanging down in front and hanging down behind?" …
"Is it true, as is said, bhikkhus, that the bhikkhunīs of the group of six wear their lower robes hanging down in front and hanging down behind?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How, bhikkhus, can the bhikkhunīs of the group of six wear their lower robes hanging down in front and hanging down behind? This, bhikkhus, does not conduce to the confidence of those without confidence …
"And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"'I will wear the lower robe wrapped evenly all around' — thus is the training to be observed."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.