Confession 160

The 160th training precept: Ordaining a prostitute.

Origin Story

Location as before. Thullanandā bhikkhunī ordained a prostitute, and they went on almsround together. Men “who indulged in beauty” saw her and were upset: “This women previously often had sex with lay people. Now she associated with renunciates.” The bhikkhunīs told the bhikkhus, and the bhikkhus told the Buddha. The Buddha asked Thullanandā: “Did you really give the going forth to a prostitute and go with her on almsround in this way?” She answered: “I really did.” The World-honored One criticized her, as explained in detail, down to: “I’ll lay down another training precept. You should recite it like this:

Final Ruling

‘If a bhikkhunī gives the going forth to a prostitute, it’s a pācittiya.’”

Explanations

“A bhikkhunī” means Thullanandā etc.

“A prostitute” means a formerly disreputable woman.

“The going forth” means receiving the sāmaṇera precepts.

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

Recite the 17th summary verse:

A bhikkhunī may not massage her body:

Five rules about different people,

Perfume, sesame, and water (massage),

Just asking, worldly adornments.