Confession 130

Origin Story

At that time, the Buddha was in Sāvatthī in Jeta’s grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s park.

Then the World-honored One had laid down a precept and allowed to give the full ordination to others. So bhikkhunīs who were foolish ordained people and didn’t know how to instruct them. Because they weren’t instructed, they weren’t established in proper conduct, didn’t wear their robes neatly, did their almsround not according to dhamma, accepted improper food here and there, or accepted food in improper bowls, and shouted loudly during breakfast and lunch like at a gathering of brahmins.

When the bhikkhunīs heard this, there were among them those with few wishes, who knew moderation, who practised the austerities, who were keen on training in the precepts, and who knew shame. They criticized these bhikkhunīs: “When the World-honored One had laid down a precept and allowed to ordain people, why did you, who are ignorant, just ordain people without knowing how to instruct them? Because they weren’t instructed, they weren’t established in proper conduct, … and shouted loudly during breakfast and lunch like at a gathering of brahmins.” Then they told the bhikkhus, and the bhikkhus went and told the World-honored One. The World-honored One for this reason gathered the bhikkhu sangha and criticized these bhikkhunīs: “What you did is wrong, is improper conduct, against the rules of renunciates, an impure practice, a practice not to be followed, shouldn’t be done. When the World-honored One had laid down a precept, and even though he had allowed to ordain people, why did you, who are ignorant, just ordain people without knowing how to instruct them? Because they weren’t instructed, they weren’t established in proper conduct, did their almsround not according to dhamma, accepted improper food here and there, or accepted food in improper bowls, and shouted loudly during breakfast and lunch like at a gathering of brahmins.” When the World-honored One had criticized them in countless ways, he said to the bhikkhus:

“From now on, I allow that the sangha does a formal act with a motion as second for the person who gives the full ordination. Someone who wants to ordain people should go the sangha and request it. She should carry out the request as follows: She should go into the midst of the sangha, uncover her right shoulder, take off her leather sandals, pay respect at the sangha’s feet, place her right knee on the ground, join her palms, and carry out this motion:

Saṅghakamma

‘Venerable sisters, may the sangha listen. I, bhikkhunī So-and-so, ask the sangha for the (formal act of) Giving-of-full-ordination.’ A second and third time should be recited likewise.

Origin Story (continued)

The bhikkhunī sangha should examine this person, as to whether she’s capable of instructing someone, of giving the training precepts for two years, and of assisting someone with the two things: one is the dhamma, the other are robes and food. If she can, they should allow it. If she’s not able to instruct, can’t give the training precepts for two years, and can’t assist someone with the two things: the dhamma, and robes and food, they should say: ‘Younger sister, enough! Don’t ordain people.’

If she’s wise, capable of instructing, of giving the training precepts for two years, and of assisting someone in regard to the two things, then in the sangha, they should choose a capable person who can carry out formal acts as above. She should carry out the motion as follows:

Saṅghakamma

‘Venerable sisters, may the sangha listen. This bhikkhunī So-and-so now asks the sangha for the Giving-of-full-ordination. If the right time has come for the sangha, may the sangha approve to give So-and-so the Giving-of-full-ordination. This is the motion.’ ‘Venerable sisters, may the sangha listen. This bhikkhunī So-and-so now asks the sangha for the Giving-of-full-ordination. The sangha now gives bhikkhunī So-and-so the Giving-of-full-ordination. Those of the venerable sisters who accept that the sangha gives So-and-so the Giving-of-full-ordination should remain silent. Those who don’t accept this should speak.’ ‘The sangha has approved to give bhikkhunī So-and-so the Giving-of-full-ordination. The sangha accepts this, therefore you’re silent. This matter is remembered thus.’

Origin Story (continued)

From now on, I’ll lay down a precept for the bhikkhunīs, and state the 10 principles: … So that the true dhamma may last long. Someone wishing to recite the precept should recite like this:

Final Ruling

‘If a bhikkhunī gives the full ordination to someone without the sangha’s approval, it’s a pācittiya.’”

Explanation

The meaning of “bhikkhunī” is as above.

“Sangha” is as above.

“Approval” means the sangha allows it in a formal act with a motion as second.

If a bhikkhunī gives the full ordination to someone without the sangha’s approval, it’s a pācittiya. If she gives dependence, or takes on a sāmaṇerī or a sikkhamānā without the sangha’s approval, it’s a dukkaṭa.

For a bhikkhu, it’s a dukkaṭa. This is called “to commit”.

“Not committed” means if, with the sangha’s approval, she gives the full ordination to someone, or accepts a bhikkhunī in dependence, or takes on a sāmaṇerī or sikkhamānā, this is called “not committed”.

“Not committed” means if she’s the first offender when the precept hadn’t yet been laid down, if she’s mad, if she’s distracted, or if she’s overcome with pain. (End of the 130th rule.)