Confession 106

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying in Sāvatthī. At that time, a bhikkhunī gave the going forth to students every year, and gave them the full ordination. Doubt arose in her mind whether it was allowed or not.

Then she asked Mahāpajāpatī, and Mahāpajāpatī went to the World-honored One and informed him. 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: “From now on, it’s no longer allowed to give the going forth and the full ordination to people every year. You should keep an intervall.” The Buddha told Mahāpajāpatī: “Convene all the bhikkhunīs living in the vicinity of Sāvatthī. … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

If a bhikkhunī takes on a student every year, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“Every year” means every rainy season. “Taking on a student” means giving the full ordination. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. It’s not allowed to take on students every year. One should keep an intervall of one rainy season. If a bhikkhunī has merit, she may give the training precepts to a student in one year, and give the full ordination in the second year. Although it’s every year, there’s no offense. This is what the World-honored One said.