[600] Now at that time a certain bhikkhunī had committed a grave offense (garudhamma) and was undergoing penance (mānatta). Then it occurred to that bhikkhunī: "It is not allowable for me to dwell alone, nor is it allowable for another bhikkhunī to dwell together with me. How, then, should I proceed?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One. "Bhikkhus, I allow that one bhikkhunī be agreed upon and given to that bhikkhunī as a companion (dutiyā).
"And thus, bhikkhus, should she be agreed upon. First the bhikkhunī should be asked; having asked her, the Saṅgha should be informed by a competent and capable bhikkhunī:
"'Venerable ladies, let the Saṅgha hear me. If it is the right time for the Saṅgha, the Saṅgha should agree upon the bhikkhunī named so-and-so as companion to the bhikkhunī named so-and-so. This is the motion (ñatti).
"'Venerable ladies, let the Saṅgha hear me. The Saṅgha agrees upon the bhikkhunī named so-and-so as companion to the bhikkhunī named so-and-so. Whichever venerable lady approves of the agreement upon the bhikkhunī named so-and-so as companion to the bhikkhunī named so-and-so, let her remain silent; whichever does not approve, let her speak.
"'The bhikkhunī named so-and-so has been agreed upon by the Saṅgha as companion to the bhikkhunī named so-and-so. It is approved by the Saṅgha; therefore it is silent. Thus do I hold it.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.