Confession 135

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī. At that time, a bhikkhunī, when the rains retreat at Sāvatthī had ended, came to Vesālī, and went to the house of Bhaddā bhikkhunī’s relatives. Her family members asked: “Where did you spend the rains?” She answered: “At Sāvatthī.” They asked: “What is good and bad about Sāvatthī?” The bhikkhunī said: “Jeta’s grove has abundant flowers and fruits, and the water in the ponds is pure and cool. The monastery is such-and-such, and the World-honored One’s residence is such-and-such. The venerables Sāriputta and Mahāmoggallāna are such-and-such, and the householder Sudatta is such-and-such.” The supporters said: “This is true going forth. Now our Bhaddā was born here, and gets old here. Like a person without hand and feet. From the outset, she refused to go out.”

For this reason, the bhikkhunīs went and informed the World-honored One. … She answered: “I really did this.” The Buddha said: “Why did you not wander after the end of 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 doesn’t wander after the end of the rains retreat, it’s a pācittiya.”

Explanation

“The end of the rains retreat” means when the three months are over. “Not wandering” means not even leaving the village; this is a pācittiya. “Pācittiya” is as explained above. When the rains retreat has ended, if she doesn’t even leave the territory for one night, it’s a pācittiya. If she’s weak, old, or sick and can’t go, there’s no offense. This is what the World-honored One said.