Chulavagga 10.16

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Adapted from the Translation by T. W. Rhys Davids and Hermann Oldenberg

CHULAVAGGA (THE MINOR SECTION)

TENTH KHANDHAKA (ON THE DUTIES OF BHIKKHUNIS/NUNS)

Chapter-16.

1. Now at that time the Bhikkhus had come into the possession of some bedding, and the Bhikkhunis had none. The Bhikkhunis sent a messenger to the Bhikkhus, saying: 'It would be well if their reverences the Bhikkhus would give us some bedding on loan.'

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to give bedding to the Bhikkhunis on loan.'

2. Now at that time Bhikkhunis, in their courses, sat down or lay down on stuffed bedsteads and chairs, and the stuffing was soiled with blood.

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

A Bhikkhuni(Nun) is not, O Bhikkhus, to sit down or lie down on a stuffed bedstead or chair. Whosoever does so, shall be guilty of a dukkata. I allow the use, O Bhikkhus, of an indoor's robe.'

The indoor's robe got soiled.

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a thigh-cloth (a cloth to reach nearly down to the knee).'

The thigh-cloth slipped down.

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'I allow it, O Bhikkhus, to be fastened by a thread to be tied round the thigh.'

The thread broke.

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'I allow, O Bhikkhus, a loin-cloth, and a string going round the hips (to keep it up).'

Now at that time the Chabbaggiya Bhikkhunis used to wear the hip-string always. The people murmured, &c., saying: 'Like the women who still enjoy the pleasures of the world!' They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'A Bhikkhuni is not, O Bhikkhus, to wear a hip-string for constant use. I allow its use to one who is in her courses.'