[529] Now at that time, bhikkhunīs (bhikkhunī) against whom a formal act (kamma) had been carried out, upon seeing a bhikkhu — whether on a street, in a cul-de-sac, or at a crossroads — would set the bowl down on the ground, arrange the upper robe over one shoulder, squat down, raise their joined palms, and ask his forgiveness, thinking, "It must not be done like this again." People criticized, complained, and spread it about, saying: "These women are the wives of these men! These women are the mistresses of these men! Having offended them during the night, now they beg forgiveness!" Those bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, a formal act is not to be carried out by bhikkhus against bhikkhunīs; whoever should carry one out commits an offence of wrong-doing (dukkaṭa). I allow, bhikkhus, a formal act to be carried out by bhikkhunīs against bhikkhunīs." The bhikkhunīs did not know how such a formal act should be carried out. Those bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One. "I allow, bhikkhus, that bhikkhus instruct bhikkhunīs: 'You should carry out the formal act in this way.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.