Confession 105

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying in Sāvatthī. At that time, a bhikkhunī gave the going forth to a student. When the student had received the full ordination, she left her and went to another place. Then the preceptor was upset and said: “The World-honored One has laid down a precept that one should teach and instruct one’s student. But my student has abandoned me and went away. Whom shall I teach and instruct?”

The bhikkhunīs told Mahāpajāpatī, and she fully informed the World-honored One of this matter. The Buddha said: “Summon that bhikkhunī.” When she came, he asked her: “Did you really do this?” She answered: “I really did this.” The Buddha said: “This is an unwholesome thing. Why did you, when you had received the full ordination, go to another place? You should give service to your preceptor for two years.” The Buddha told Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī: “Convene all the bhikkhunīs living in the vicinity of Sāvatthī. … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

If a bhikkhunī has received the full ordination, she should attend on and follow her preceptor for two years. If she doesn’t attend on and follow her, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“Has received the full ordination” means the student who lives together (with the preceptor). “Two years” means two rains. “Attend on” means to attend on the preceptor. “Should follow her” means not to be far away from her. Not attending on and following is a pācittiya. If the preceptor doesn’t keep the precepts well, and doesn’t want to train, the student should think: “My preceptor only engages in improper conduct. If I follow her, I might harm my monastic life.” If she abandons her and leaves because she wants to keep her monastic life intact, there’s no offense. If a bhikkhu doesn’t attend on his preceptor as an attendant, he breaks a minor vinaya rule. This is what the World-honored One said.