[14] Now at that time the group-of-six bhikkhus rode in vehicles — both one yoked with cows with a man in between (driving), and one yoked with bulls with a woman in between (driving). People looked down upon them, criticized them, and spread it about, saying: "Just as at the (sporting on the) Gaṅgā and the Mahī!" They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, one should not travel in a vehicle. Whoever should so travel commits an offence of wrong-doing (dukkaṭa)."
Now at that time a certain bhikkhu, going through the Kosalan country to Sāvatthī to see the Blessed One, became ill on the way. Then that bhikkhu, stepping down from the road, sat at the foot of a certain tree. People, seeing that bhikkhu, said this: "Where, venerable sir, is the venerable one going?"
"I am going, friends, to Sāvatthī to see the Blessed One."
"Come, venerable sir, let us go together."
"I am not able, friends; I am ill."
"Come, venerable sir, mount the vehicle."
"Enough, friends; a vehicle has been prohibited by the Blessed One." And being scrupulous, he did not mount the vehicle. Then that bhikkhu, having gone to Sāvatthī, reported this matter to the bhikkhus. The bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One.
Then the Blessed One, having given a talk on the Dhamma in connection with this occasion, in connection with this circumstance, addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, I allow a vehicle for one who is ill."
Then it occurred to the bhikkhus: "Is it one yoked with cows, or one yoked with bulls?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow one yoked with bulls, and one drawn by hand."
Now at that time a certain bhikkhu had very severe discomfort from the jolting of the vehicle. They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow a palanquin (sivikā) and a cloth litter slung on a carrying-pole (pāṭaṅkī)."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.