Confession 91

Origin Story

At that time, the bhikkhunīs entered the rains retreat in a place without a group of bhikkhus. Then they had these doubts: “May we give the going forth, may we not give the going forth, may we give (the full) ordination, may we not give (the full) ordination, are the robes according to the rules or not?” And they had all kinds of similar doubts about the precepts and didn’t know whom to ask. Moreover, they were treated with disrespect by bad people and non-Buddhist renunciates. When the senior bhikkhunīs saw it, they criticized them in all kinds of ways, and told the Buddha of this matter. The Buddha gathered both sanghas because of this matter and asked the bhikkhunīs: “Did you really do this?” They answered: “We really did this, World-honored One.” The Buddha criticized them in all kinds of ways: “Haven’t I already taught the eight rules of respect: A bhikkhunī should enter the rains retreat supported by a group of bhikkhus?” Having criticized them, he told the bhikkhus: “I now lay down a precept for the bhikkhunīs. From now on, this precept should be recited thus:

Final Ruling

‘If a bhikkhunī enters the rains retreat without support from a group of bhikkhus, it’s a pācittiya.’”

Explanations

Even if they’ve support from a group of bhikkhus, but if there’s no instruction, it’s a dukkaṭa.

For a sikkhamānā and a sāmaṇerī, it’s a dukkaṭa.

If during the rains retreat, the group of bhikkhus moves away, dies, or disrobes; if she’s held by force, or if she’s sick, in all cases the offense isn’t committed.