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X, 9, 5.
ON THE DUTIES OF BHIKKHUNÍS.
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the Bhikkhunis ?" If any one is able to do so, and is possessed of the eight qualifications !, he is to appoint him thereto, and is to say: "Such and such a Bhikkhu is appointed to hold Exhortation to the Bhikkhunfs. Let the Bhikkhunt-samgha come to him."
'If no one is able to do so, the reciter of the Pâtimokkha is to say: “There is no Bhikkhu appointed to hold Exhortation to the Bhikkhunts. May the Bhikkhunf-samgha obtain its desire in peace ?."
5. Now at that time Bhikkhus did not accept the (office of holding) Exhortation. They told this matter to the Blessed One.
•The Exhortation is not, O Bhikkhus, to be declined. Whosoever shall not accept it, shall be guilty of a dukkata.'
Now at that time a certain Bhikkh: was stupid. To him the Bhikkhunts went, and said: 'Sir, please to accept the (duty of holding) Exhortation.'
'I, sister, am stupid. How can I accept the Exhortation?'
You should take it, Sir; for thus has it been laid down by the Blessed One: "Bhikkhus are to accept the (duty of holding) Exhortation to the Bhikkhunts.”' They told this matter to the Blessed One.
I allow, O Bhikkhus, all the rest, save the stupid, to accept the Exhortation.'
[The same repeated of a sick Bhikkhu, and a
1 These are given at length in the Sutta Vibhanga, Påkittiya XXI, 2, 1.
Pasadikena sampadetu, on which Buddhaghosa has no note. Perhaps by means of faith' would be a better rendering.
2 2
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