Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
by I. B. Horner | 2014 | 66,469 words | ISBN-13: 9781921842160
The English translation of the Bhikkhuni-vibhanga: the second part of the Suttavibhanga, which itself is the first book of the Pali Vinaya Pitaka, one of the three major ‘baskets’ of Therevada canonical literature. It is a acollection of rules for Buddhist nuns. The English translation of the Vinaya-pitaka (second part, bhikkhuni-vibhanga) contain...
Nuns’ Expiation (Pācittiya) 66
Bi-Pc.66.1.1 BD.3.371 … at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove in Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Now at that time nuns ordained a girl married for full twelve years (but) who had not trained for two years in the six rules. These were ignorant, inexperienced, they did not know what was allowable or what was not allowable.[1] Those who were modest nuns … spread it about, saying: “How can these nuns ordain a girl married for full twelve years (but) who has not trained for two years in the six rules?” …
“Is it true, as is said, monks …?” …
The enlightened one, the lord rebuked them, saying: “How, monks, can these nuns ordain … in the six rules? It is not, monks, for pleasing those who are not (yet) pleased …” and having rebuked them, Vin.4.323 having given reasoned talk, he addressed the monks, saying:
“I allow you, monks, to give a girl married for full twelve years the agreement as to training for two years in the six rules. And thus, monks, should it be given: That girl married for full twelve years, having approached the Order … Bi-Pc.63.1 … should speak thus: ‘Ladies, I, so and so, a girl married for full twelve years, and who am under the lady so and so, request the Order … Bi-Pc.63.1. Instead of probationer read a girl married for full twelve years … So do I understand this.’ That girl married for full twelve years should be told: ‘Speak thus: … Bi-Pc.63.1 …’ “… this rule of training:
“Whatever nun should ordain a girl married for full twelve years (but) who has not trained for two years in the six rules, there is an offence of expiation.”
Bi-Pc.66.2.1 BD.3.372 Whatever means: … nun is to be understood in this case.
Full twelve years means: attained to twelve years.[2]
Girl married means: one cohabiting with a man.[3]
Two years means: …
There is no offence if she ordains a girl married for full twelve years and who has trained for two years in the six rules; if she is mad, if she is the first wrong-doer.