四分律刪補隨機羯磨 2.124

2.124

(By principle it is added: He should go to the sthavira and say: 'Can your compassionate reverence instruct the bhikṣuṇīs or not?' If he replies, 'I am not capable,' he asks every one of them down to those of twenty rains. If there is no one, he returns to the sthavira and says: 'I have asked the entire saṃgha, and there is no one capable.' The sthavira should then perform the abbreviated instruction rite, telling the entrusted person: 'This saṃgha has no master capable of instructing. Tomorrow, when the nuns come to ask whether it is approved or not, you should report: "Last night I requested on the nuns' behalf everywhere, but there was no one capable. Nevertheless, the sthavira has an order, commanding the nuns: Diligently practice the path; be circumspect and do not be heedless!"')