Confession 100

Mahāsaṅghika Vinaya, 39th fascicle.

Translated by the Indian Tipiṭaka master Buddhabhadra together with Fǎxiǎn during the Eastern Jin dynasty.

Explanation of the 141 pācittiya rules, part three.

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying in Sāvatthī. At that time, women from the clans of the Sakyans, the Kolīyas, the Mallas, and the Licchavis who were married went forth. Because they could already tolerate difficult situations, they were smart and wise. Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī asked the Buddha: “World-honored One, may women who were married, and are below 20 years old receive the full ordination?” The Buddha said: “They may.” Then the bhikkhunīs gave the full ordination to previously married women who were eight or nine years old. They were too small and weak, and couldn’t endure difficult situations. The bhikkhunīs told Mahāpajāpatī, and she went to the World-honored One, and informed him of this matter. … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

If a bhikkhunī gives the full ordination to a married woman, who is less than 12 years old, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“Less than 12 years old” is as explained in detail in the rule about “less than 20 years”.

“A married woman” means she has broken celibacy. If she receives the full ordination, it’s a pācittiya. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. If a married woman wants to receive the full ordination in the Tathāgata’s dhamma-vinaya, one should first ask her, … and look at the bones and joints of her hands and feet. This is what the World-honored One said.