Pakiṇṇaka 30

The Buddha was staying in Sāvatthī. At that time, Thullanandā bhikkhunī reached a great house on almsround. Then there was a woman who had had a miscarriage. She said: “Throw this away for me.” (Thullanandā) said: “I can’t.” (The woman) asked again: “I’ll provide such-and-such things.” Then (Thullanandā) placed it into her bowl, and left. At that time, Mahākassapa was on a continuous almsround and thought: “The first food I obtain, I’ll give to a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī.” When he saw the bhikkhunī, he said: “Come and bring your bowl.” But she covered it, and didn’t show it to him. He called her again, but she still didn’t show it. Mahākassapa had a imposing personality, and he called out in a stern voice. Then, terrified, she showed it to him. When he saw it, he said: “Hey, why did you do this bad thing?” Then Mahākassapa told the bhikkhunīs, and for this reason, they went and informed the World-honored One … She answered: “I really did this.” The Buddha said: “This is an unwholesome thing against the dhamma. Why did you cover your bowl? From now on, it’s no longer allowed to cover one’s bowl. It’s also not allowed to carry it openly. When (a bhikkhunī) has received food, she should cover it. If she sees a bhikkhu, she should lift the cover, and show him the bowl. If she carries the bowl openly, she breaks a minor vinaya rule. If she sees a bhikkhu, and doesn’t show it to him, she also breaks a minor vinaya rule. This is called the rule on bowls.