Confession 131

The 131st training precept: Abusing the sangha.

Origin Story

Location as before. Then Thullanandā bhikkhunī angrily abused the sangha: “You asked for the head-shaving because you’re incapable of making a living by yourself, you were poor, and went forth from a blameworthy, bad family. You’re not accomplished in the noble dhamma. You had the intention of taking ordination by theft, and you deceive others. You’re truly impure, and have broken the precepts.” The other bhikkhunīs said: “Noble one, why do you angrily use this vile language?” Thullā bhikkhunī said: “I was born in a Sakyan family of high social standing. These are suitable things for criticism and abuse. Don’t you know which family I’m from?” They just listened to this criticism and abuse, and silently endured it. 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 abuses the sangha, it’s a pācittiya.’”

Explanations

“A bhikkhunī” means Thullanandā, or any other bhikkhunī.

“Abusing the sangha” means using harsh language.

The explanations of the rule factors etc. are as explained in detail before.