… at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove in Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Now at that time nuns ordained while they were less than twelve years (of standing). They were ignorant, inexperienced, they did not know what was allowable or what was not allowable; moreover, the women who’ shared their cells were ignorant, inexperienced, they did not know what was allowable or what was not allowable. Those who were modest nuns … spread it about, saying: “How can these nuns ordain while they are less than twelve years (of standing)?” …

“Is it true, as is said, monks, that nuns … less than twelve years (of standing)?”

“It is true, lord.”

The enlightened one, the lord, rebuked them, saying:

“How, monks, can nuns … less than twelve years (of standing)? It is not, monks, for pleasing those who are not (yet) pleased … this rule of training:

“Whatever nun should ordain while she is less than twelve years (of standing) there is an offence of expiation.”

Whatever means: … nun is to be understood in this case.

Less than twelve years means: not attained to twelve years.

Should ordain means: … Bi-Pc.61.2.1 … offence of wrong-doing for the group and for the woman teacher.

There is no offence if she ordains when she has completed twelve years (of standing); if she is mad, if she is the first wrong-doer.