[498] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Now at that time the group-of-six bhikkhunīs defecated, urinated, and spat in the water. People complained, criticized, and spread it about, saying: "How can bhikkhunīs defecate, urinate, and spit in the water, just like householder women who enjoy sensual pleasures?"
The bhikkhunīs heard those people complaining, criticizing, and spreading it about. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … complained, criticized, and spread it about, saying: "How can the group-of-six bhikkhunīs defecate, urinate, and spit in the water?" Then those bhikkhunīs reported this matter to the bhikkhus. The bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One.
Then the Blessed One … questioned the bhikkhus: "Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that the group-of-six bhikkhunīs defecate, urinate, and spit in the water?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How, bhikkhus, can the group-of-six bhikkhunīs defecate, urinate, and spit in the water? This, bhikkhus, is not for the confidence of those without confidence … And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule:
"'I shall not defecate, urinate, or spit in the water' — this is a training to be observed."
And thus this training rule was laid down by the Blessed One for the bhikkhunīs.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.