Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
Then the Bhagavaan addressed the Bhikshus: “How should a devout female lay disciple (upaasika) who has only one daughter instruct and guide her to perfection?”
The Bhikshus replied: “O Bhagavaan, we do not fully comprehend this meaning. The Bhagavaan is the source of all Dharmas. Whatever the Tathaagata proclaims, we accept without doubt. We beseech the Bhagavaan to expound this profound teaching that we may hear and practice accordingly.”
The Bhagavaan said: “Bhikshus, Listen attentively! Listen attentively! Reflect on it carefully, for I shall now explain its meaning to you.”
The Bhikshus responded: “So be it.” And they received the teaching from the Budha.
The Bhagavaan said: “That devout upaasika should instruct her daughter thus:
‘If you remain a householder, you should emulate the lay disciples upaasika Kujuttara and Nanda–maata. For they represent the highest standard of realized female lay disciples under the Bhagavaan.
But if you wish to shave your head, don the threefold robe, and leave home to follow the path, then you must emulate the Bhikshunis Khema and Uppala-vanna. For they represent the highest standard of realized bhikshunis.
Devote yourself to the true Dharma; abstain from wrong livelihood and unwholesome deeds. Should you develop clinging attachments, you will surely fall into the three woeful realms.
With wholesome thoughts and concentrated mind, you will attain what has not been attained, achieve what has not been achieved, and realize what has not yet been realized.
Know this, O Bhikshus: the karmic weight of faithful offerings (received) is truly difficult to exhaust and may obstruct one from reaching liberation.
Therefore, O Bhikshus, do not give rise to clinging attachments, and if they arise, abandon them. In this way, O Bhikshus, should you train yourselves.'”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.