Confession 133

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying in Rājagaha. At that time, Jetā bhikkhunī had developed an abscess in a hidden place. The other bhikkhunīs went to the village on almsround. Afterwards, a doctor came to treat the abscess. The bhikkhunī said: “Long-lived One, open this abscess for me.” He said: “Okay.” Then he opened the abscess, applied medicine, and left. When the other bhikkhunīs returned from almsround, they saw pus and blood on the ground, and asked: “Why is there this pus and blood?” She answered: “I had an abscess opened.” The bhikkhunīs were upset and said: “Why did you have an abscess in a hidden place opened without informing a virtuous bhikkhunī?”

The bhikkhunīs told Mahāpajāpatī, … She answered: “I really did this, World-honored One.” The Buddha said: “Why did you, when you had an abscess above the knees, below the shoulders, have it opened without first informing someone, and being permitted? From now on, it’s no longer allowed.” … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

If a bhikkhunī has an abscess in a hidden place above the knees, below the shoulders, and without first informing someone and being permitted, has a man open and wash it, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“A bhikkhunī” is as explained above. “Above the knees” means above the thighs. “Below the shoulders” means below the breasts. “Without first informing” means without informing a virtuous bhikkhunī. “(Not) permitted” means without carrying out the formal act to request permission in the sangha. If she has an abscess in a hidden place, and wants to open it, she should first carry out a formal act to request permission in the sangha.

Saṅghakamma

The master of ceremony should say: “May the noble sangha listen. The bhikkhunī So-and-so has an abscess in a hidden place. If the right time has come for the sangha, So-and-so wants to ask the sangha for the formal act to open the abscess. May the noble sangha listen. The bhikkhunī So-and-so wants to ask the sangha for the formal act to open the abscess. The sangha accepts this, therefore you’re silent. This matter is remembered thus.”

Explanation (continued)

If she has an abscess in a hidden place, she should have a trustworthy person—either student who depends on her, or someone who has the same preceptor or teacher as her—open it with an awl, or with the fingernails, and apply medicine. If she has a man open the abscess, it’s a pācittiya. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. If she has an abscess above the shoulders or below the knees, or if she wants to cut her head to draw blood, or if she wants to cut her arms, then if she has a lay woman forcefully press her, and a man open it, there’s no offense. This is what the World-honored One said.

Mahāsaṅghika Vinaya, 39th fascicle.