Confession 74

First Origin Story

The Buddha was staying in Sāvatthī. At that time, there was a young and attractive bhikkhunī who was wearing her robe and walking on a path. Then her two breasts were revealed, and a man who saw them laughed.

When the bhikkhunīs heard this, they told Mahāpajāpatī, and she went to the World-honored One, and informed him of this matter. … The Buddha said:

Preliminary Ruling

“From now on, bhikkhunīs should make a vest.”

Second Origin Story

At another time, there was a bhikkhunī who attached strands to make her vest long and wide. … The Buddha said: “From now on, strands must be cut off and it’s to be made according to the measurements.” The Buddha told Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī: “Convene all the bhikkhunīs living in the vicinity of Sāvatthī. … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

A bhikkhunī should make the vest according to the measurements: four sugata handspans in length, two handspans in width. If she makes it larger, it’s to be cut off, and it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

This pācittiya is as explained in detail above in the rule about the lower robe.