Suspension 9

Origin Story

The Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī. At that time, a large group of women was staying on the far bank of the Aciravatī river. On the near bank, the bhikkhunī sangha had gathered. Then Thullanandā bhikkhunī removed her clothes, put them on the ground, and and swam over across the river. The women said to each other: “Look, this Thullanandā bhikkhunī comes swimming over.” When she had arrived, she sat in an open place, and after a short while, she crossed back over again. The women were upset and said: “Why did this Thullanandā bhikkhunī cross over and return again like an evil person?”

When the bhikkhunīs heard this, they told Mahāpajāpatī, and she went to the World-honored One, and informed him of this matter. The Buddha said: “Summon Thullanandā bhikkhunī.” When she came, the Buddha said: “This is an unwholesome thing. Why did you swim over alone at a ferry crossing place? From now on, it’s no longer allowed to swim over alone at a ferry crossing place.” 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 crosses a river alone at a ferry crossing place, it’s an immediate saṅghādisesa offense.”

Explanation

“A bhikkhunī” is as explained above. “Crossing alone” means leaving the territory and going to the far bank. This is a saṅghādisesa.