[575] Now at that time bhikkhunīs questioned candidates for full ordination (upasampadā) who had not been instructed about the obstructing conditions (antarāyikā dhammā). The candidates for full ordination were abashed and embarrassed, and were unable to answer. They informed the Blessed One of this matter. "Bhikkhus, I allow that, having first instructed her, they afterwards question her about the obstructing conditions."
They instructed them right there in the midst of the Saṅgha. The candidates for full ordination were just as abashed and embarrassed, and were unable to answer. They informed the Blessed One of this matter. "Bhikkhus, I allow that, having instructed her to one side, they question her about the obstructing conditions in the midst of the Saṅgha. And thus, bhikkhus, should she be instructed: first she should be made to take a preceptor (upajjhā); having been made to take a preceptor, the bowl and robes should be pointed out to her: 'This is your bowl; this is the outer robe (saṅghāṭi); this is the upper robe (uttarāsaṅga); this is the inner robe (antaravāsaka); this is the bodice (saṅkacchika); this is the bathing cloth (udakasāṭikā). Go and stand in such-and-such a place.'"
Foolish, incompetent bhikkhunīs gave the instruction. The candidates for full ordination, being badly instructed, were abashed and embarrassed, and were unable to answer. They informed the Blessed One of this matter. "Bhikkhus, instruction should not be given by one who is foolish and incompetent; whoever should give it commits an offence of wrong-doing (dukkaṭa). I allow, bhikkhus, that instruction be given by a competent, capable bhikkhunī."
Those who had not been agreed upon gave the instruction. They informed the Blessed One of this matter. "Bhikkhus, instruction should not be given by one who has not been agreed upon; whoever should give it commits an offence of wrong-doing. I allow, bhikkhus, that instruction be given by one who has been agreed upon. And thus, bhikkhus, should the agreement be made: either one may agree upon oneself, or another may be agreed upon by another."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.