Garudhamma 1

Bhikkhunī rules. MgGd1 at Mg_BuPn8, T1425, fascicle 30. T0471a25 (SC18)*

(Paying respect to bhikkhus)

Introduction

The Buddha was staying at Kapilavatthu in the Sakyan monastery. At that time, Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī and 500 Sakyan women had gone forth in search of the Buddha. To be explained in detail as in the sutta. … The Buddha told the bhikkhunīs: “From now on, Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī is the bhikkhunī sangha’s most senior nun. Remember it like this.” At that time, Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī said to the Buddha: “World-honored One, you’ve laid down eight rules of respect for the bhikkhunīs. May we hear them in detail?” The Buddha said: “You may. These are the eight rules of respect:

Explanation

Even if a bhikkhunī has been ordained for 100 years, she should get up for, welcome, respect, and bow to a newly ordained bhikkhu. She may not say: “Wait until I’ve been ordained for 100 years, and then I’ll bow to a newly ordained bhikkhu.” All bhikkhunīs should get up for, welcome, respect, and bow to senior, middling, and young bhikkhus. If a bhikkhunī goes to a bhikkhu monastery, she should bow with her head at each bhikkhu’s feet one by one. If she’s old and sick, and not able to do it, she should bow as much as she’s capable to do. To the rest, she should bow together, and she should say: “I, bhikkhunī So-and-so, bow with my head at the whole sangha’s feet.” If a bhikkhu goes to a bhikkhunī monastery, all bhikkhunīs should get up, welcome him, and bow at his feet. As explained above as well. If a bhikkhunī makes such distinctions: “He has broken a precept, he acts as a doctor, he’s an old man without any knowledge,” and out of conceit, she’s disrespectful, doesn’t get up, doesn’t welcome him, and doesn’t bow, she transgresses against this rule of respect. The first rule of respect is finished.