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...

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Nuns’ Expiation (Pācittiya) 90

Bi-Pc.90.1.1 BD.3.409 … at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove in Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Now at that time nuns caused (themselves) to be rubbed (with ointment)[1] and also caused (themselves) to be massaged[2] by a nun. People, engaged in touring the dwelling-place, having seen (them), … spread it about, saying: “How can these nuns cause (themselves) to be rubbed (with ointment) and also cause (themselves) to be massaged by a nun, just like women householders who enjoy pleasures of the senses?” Nuns heard these people who … spread it about. Those who were modest nuns … spread it about, saying: “How can these nuns cause (themselves) to be rubbed … by a nun?” …

“Is it true, as is said, monks, that nuns caused (themselves) to be rubbed … by a nun?”

“It is true, lord.”

The enlightened one, the lord, rebuked them, saying:

“How, monks, can nuns cause (themselves) to be rubbed (with ointment) and also cause themselves to be massaged by a nun? It is not, monks, for pleasing those who are not (yet) pleased … this rule of training:

Whatever nun should cause (herself) to be rubbed (with ointment) or should cause (herself) to be massaged by a nun, there is an offence of expiation.”


Bi-Pc.90.2.1 Whatever means: … nun is to be understood in this case.

By a nun means: by another nun.

Should cause (herself) to be rubbed (with ointment) BD.3.410 means: if she makes (another) rub (her with ointment),[3] there is an offence of expiation.

Should cause (herself) to be massaged means: if she makes (another) rub[4] (her), there is an offence of expiation.


Bi-Pc.90.2.2 There is no offence if she is ill; if there are accidents; if she is mad, if she is the first wrong-doer.

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

ummaddāpenti. At Vin.2.266 it is an offence of wrong-doing for a nun if she mukhaṃ ummaddeti, rubs (ointment, etc.) into her face.

[2]:

parimaddāpenti.

[3]:

Vin-a.946 reads ubbaṭṭāpeti, to make anoint, to make shampoo.

[4]:

sambāhāpeti, to rub or shampoo.

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