Confession 105

The 105th training precept: Going to a deva temple for debates.

Origin Story

At Rājagaha. Then Thullanandā bhikkhunī visited deva temples and non-Buddhist places to debate with people there. Around dusk, she went to the bhikkhunī monastery and told her students: “I’m exhausted and all my limbs and joints are aching now. Release me from the fatigue by massaging my hands and feet.” Her followers asked: “Noble one, why are you exhausted like this?” She replied: “I went to deva temples and the residences of non-Buddhist renunciates to debate with them.” They asked again: “Noble one, is it suitable to go to deva temples and non-Buddhist places?” She replied: “Suitable or not, I’ve already gone and returned.” The bhikkhunīs told the bhikkhus, and the bhikkhus told the Buddha. The Buddha asked and criticized, as explained in detail, down to: “I’ll lay down another training precept. You should recite it like this:

Final Ruling

‘If a bhikkhunī goes to a deva temple to engage in debates, it’s a pācittiya.’”

Explanations

“A bhikkhunī” is as above.

“A deva temple” means residences of gods and non-Buddhist renunciates.

“Engaging in debates” means elaborating on difficult questions.

The explanations of the rule factors etc. are as explained above.