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whatever doctrine and discipline women are allowed to go out from the household life into the homeless state, that religion will not last long. And just, Ânanda, as when the disease called mildew falls upon a field of rice in fine condition, that field of rice does not continue long; just so, Ânanda, under whatsoever doctrine and discipline women are allowed to go forth from the household life into the homeless state, that religion will not last long. And just, Ânanda, as when the disease called blight falls upon a field of sugar-cane in good condition, that field of sugarcane does not continue long; just so, Ânanda, under whatsoever doctrine and discipline women are allowed to go forth from the household life into the homeless state, that religion does not last long. And just, Ânanda, as a man would in anticipation build an embankment to a great reservoir, beyond which the water should not overpass; just even so, Ânanda, have I in anticipation laid down these Eight Chief Rules for the Bhikkhunts, their life long not to be overpassed.'
KULLAVAGGA.
X, 2, 1.
Here end the Eight Chief Rules for the Bhikkhunis.
2.
1. Now Mahâ-pagâpatî the Gotamf went up to the place where the Blessed One was, and bowed down before him, and stood respectfully on one side. And, so standing, Mahâ-pagâpati the Gotami spake thus to the Blessed One: What course, Lord,
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