Confession 134

Mahāsaṅghika Vinaya, 40th fascicle.

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

Explanation of the 141 pācittiya rules, last part.

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying in Sāvatthī. At that time, Kālī bhikkhunī returned the bed and mat she had received from the sangha, and went wandering during the rains retreat.

For this reason, the bhikkhunīs spoke with Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī. … She answered: “I really did this.” The Buddha said: “Why did you wander during the rains retreat? From now on, it’s no longer allowed.” … Those who have already heard it should listen again:

Final Ruling

If a bhikkhunī wanders during the rains retreat, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“The rains retreat” means the first rains retreat or the second rains retreat. “Traveling” means even if she spends the night in the village, it’s a pācittiya. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. If a bhikkhunī leaves the territory overnight during the rains retreat, it’s a pācittiya. If a king creates trouble, if criminals come from elsewhere, if she fears for her life, if she’s afraid to be raped, and she leaves, there’s no offense. During the rains retreat, there’s no allowance for a bhikkhunī to ask for permission in a formal act in order to wander to a stupa or on sangha business. This is what the World-honored One said.