Pakiṇṇaka 31

The Buddha was staying in Sāvatthī. At that time, there was a high official who had broken the king’s law. His house and all his wealth were to be confiscated by the authorities, and the king had sent men to guard (the place). Then Thullanandā bhikkhunī reached that house on her continuous almsround. The woman said: “Venerable, there’s a problem in my family. We’ve broken the king’s law, and will be put to death. Our wealth will be taken by the authorities. I want to entrust a few jewels and ornaments to you. If I’m released, I’ll take them back from you at once. If I die, then take them as an offering.” The bhikkhunī then filled her bowl with various jewels, covered it, and left. When the guards at the door saw her, they asked: “What’s in your bowl?”, but she didn’t show them. They again shouted at her. She got fearful and showed it. When the bhikkhunīs heard this, they went and informed … She answered: “I really did this.” The Buddha said: “From now on, it’s no longer allowed to hide jewels in a bowl. If there’s an official who has broken the law, and an inventory hasn’t yet been made, and his wealth hasn’t yet been taken stock of, if at such a time (a bhikkhunī) is entrusted, she may take it. If the king has made an inventory, and taken stock of his wealth, she should say: “The World-honored One has laid down a precept that one may not accept this.” If they say: “We give it to a stupa, or to the sangha, or we offer it to you,” she may take it. When she has obtained it, she may not cover it up and go. She should go carrying it openly. If someone asks, she should say: “These are items for a stupa, or the sangha’s items, or my items.” If she’s allowed to go, it’s good. If she’s not allowed, she should return them. This is called the rule on covering the bowl.