Cullavagga, Khandaka 10, Chapter 21

Now at that time the Chabbaggiya Bhikkhunīs had themselves carried in vehicles to which cows were yoked with a bull between them^[1], or bulls were yoked with a cow between them. People were annoyed, murmured, and became indignant, saying: 'That is what is done at the feast of the Gaṅgā, and the Mali^[1].'

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'A Bhikkhunī is not, O Bhikkhus, to be carried in a vehicle. Whosoever does so, shall be dealt with according to law^[2].'

Now at that time a certain Bhikkhunī was sick, and unable to go on foot.

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'I allow the use of a carriage, O Bhikkhus, to a sick (Bhikkhunī)^[3].' Now the Bhikkhunīs thought: 'Should the carts be yoked with cows or bulls?'

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'I allow, O Bhikkhus, a cart yoked with cows or bulls, or drawn by hand^[4].'

Now at that time a certain Bhikkhunī was much distressed by the jolting of the cart.

They told this matter to the Blessed One.

'I allow, O Bhikkhus, the use of a litter or sedan chair^[5].'

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

On all these expressions, see our notes above at Mahāvagga V, 9, 3, where they recur word for word.

[2]:

This is the 85th Bhikkhunī Pācittiya.

[3]:

This is repeated from the 85th Bhikkhunī Pācittiya. The corresponding permission is given to Bhikkhus by Mahāvagga V, 10, 2.

[4]:

Hattha-vaṭṭakaṃ. See the note on Mahāvagga V, 10, 3.

[5]:

So also for Bhikkhus at Mahāvagga V, 10, 3.