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) 2
Bi-Pc.2.1.1 BD.3.247 … at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove in Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Now at that time the group of six nuns, haying let the hair of the body grow, bathed naked together with prostitutes at the same ford of the river Aciravatī.[1] Vin.4.260 The prostitutes … spread it about, saying: “How can these nuns let the hair of the body grow, like women householders who enjoy pleasures of the senses?” Nuns heard these prostitutes who … spread it about. Those who were modest nuns … spread it about, saying: “How can this group of six nuns let the hair of the body grow?” …
“Is it true, as is said, monks, that the group of six nuns let the hair of the body grow?”
“It is true, lord.”
The enlightened one, the lord, rebuked them saying:
“How, monks, can the group of six nuns let the hair of the body grow? It is not, monks, for pleasing those who are not (yet) pleased … this rule of training:
“Whatever nun should let the hair of the body grow, there is an offence of expiation.”
Bi-Pc.2.2.1 Whatever means: … nun is to be understood in this case.
Hair of the body means: under both armpits and on the private parts.
Should let grow means: if she lets one hair grow, there is an offence of expiation. If she lets many hairs grow, there is an offence of expiation.
There is no offence if it is because of illness, if she is mad, if she is the first wrong-doer.