for the Buddha has laid down that a monk should agree to give the instruction to the nuns.” They told the Buddha. “Except if you’re ignorant, you should agree to give the half-monthly instruction.” On one occasion the nuns went to a monk who was sick “Venerable, please agree to give the half-monthly instruction.” “But I’m sick, sisters. How can I agree to give the instruction?” “Please agree to give the instruction, for the Buddha has laid down