The nuns of few desires complained and criticized her, “How can Venerable Thullanandā do such things?” … “Is it true, monks, that the nun Thullanandā does this?” “It’s true, sir.” The Buddha rebuked her … “How can the nun Thullanandā do such things? This will affect people’s confidence …” … “And, monks, the nuns should recite this training rule like this:

Final ruling ‘If a nun stands or talks alone with a man on a street or in a cul-de-sac or at an intersection, or she whispers in his ear or dismisses her companion nun, she commits an offense entailing confession.’”

Definitions A: whoever … Nun: … The nun who has been given the full ordination in unanimity by both Sanghas through a legal procedure consisting of one motion and three announcements that is irreversible and fit to stand—this sort of nun is meant in this case. A street: a carriage road is what is meant. A cul-de-sac: one departs the same way one enters. An intersection: a crossroads is what is meant. A man: a human male, not a male spirit, not a male ghost, not a male animal. He understands and is capable of standing together and talking. With: together. Alone: just the man and the nun. Stands with: if she stands within arm’s reach of the man, she commits an offense entailing confession. Talks with: if she stands talking within arm’s reach of the man, she commits an offense entailing confession.