[77] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in the Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Now at that time bhikkhunīs (bhikkhunī) who were pupils (antevāsinī) of the bhikkhunī Thullanandā were living in close association, of evil conduct, of evil reputation, of evil renown, harassers of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha, concealers of one another's faults. Those bhikkhunīs who were of few wishes … they complained, criticized, and spread it about: "How indeed can bhikkhunīs live in close association, of evil conduct, of evil reputation, of evil renown, harassers of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha, concealers of one another's faults?" …
"Is it true, bhikkhus, as is said, that bhikkhunīs are living in close association, of evil conduct, of evil reputation, of evil renown, harassers of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha, concealers of one another's faults?"
"It is true, Blessed One."
The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How indeed, bhikkhus, can bhikkhunīs live in close association, of evil conduct, of evil reputation, of evil renown, harassers of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha, concealers of one another's faults? This, bhikkhus, is not for the confidence of those without confidence … And thus, bhikkhus, let the bhikkhunīs recite this training rule (sikkhāpada):
"Now, should bhikkhunīs live in close association, of evil conduct, of evil reputation, of evil renown, harassers of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha, concealers of one another's faults, those bhikkhunīs should be spoken to thus by the bhikkhunīs: 'The sisters are indeed living in close association, of evil conduct, of evil reputation, of evil renown, harassers of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha, concealers of one another's faults. Separate yourselves, ladies; the Saṅgha praises only seclusion for the sisters.' And should those bhikkhunīs, being spoken to thus by the bhikkhunīs, persist just as before, those bhikkhunīs should be admonished by the bhikkhunīs up to the third time for the relinquishing of that. If, being admonished up to the third time, they relinquish it, that is good. If they do not relinquish it, these bhikkhunīs too have committed an offense that reaches its completion at the third admonition (yāvatatiyaka), entailing sending away (nissāraṇīya), a saṅghādisesa."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.