There is no offense: if there is an obstacle; if she searches for someone to sew, but does not find anyone; if she is doing it, but she takes longer than four or five days; if she is sick; if there is an emergency; if she is insane; if she is the first offender. The third training rule is finished.

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law The Nuns’ Analysis The chapter on offenses entailing confession The subchapter on nakedness Moving robes

Origin story At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery. At that time the nuns stored one of their robes with other nuns and then left to wander the country in a sarong and an upper robe. Because they were stored for a long time, the robes became moldy. When the nuns put them out to sun them, other nuns asked them, “Whose moldy robes are these?” And they told them what had happened. The nuns of few desires complained and criticized them, “How can nuns store one of their robes with other nuns and then go wandering the country in a sarong and an upper robe?” … “Is it true, monks, that nuns do this?” “It’s true, sir.” The Buddha rebuked them … “How can nuns do this? This will affect people’s confidence …” … “And, monks, the nuns should recite this training rule like this:

Final ruling