Confession 115

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying in Sāvatthī. At that time, Kālī bhikkhunī, after having been assigned a sangha room, locked the door and went away. Then senior guest bhikkhunīs arrived, and were given rooms in order of their seniority. When they saw that the door was locked, they were upset and said: “In a sangha building, how can you lock the door, and go away?”

The bhikkhunīs told Mahāpajāpatī, … 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 not give up your room in a sangha building, lock the door, and go away? From now on, it’s no longer allowed.” 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 goes away without giving up her bed and her mat in a sangha room, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“A bhikkhunī” is as explained above. “The sangha’s bed and mat” means seats, beds, pillows, mats, and blankets. “Not giving up” means not returning, and not telling someone. If she goes to another place, is a pācittiya. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. If a bhikkhunī wants to go away, she should give up her bed and mat, or inform the person in charge of beds and mats before leaving. If she doesn’t give them up and goes away, it’s a pācittiya. If the room isn’t empty, and others still live there, she breaks a minor vinaya rule. This is what the World-honored One said.