Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 134Ordaining Without Permission

Sutta on Ordaining Without Permission (Ananuññāta)

Exposition from the Traditional Pāli Vinaya

Background

The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of regulations and rules of practice established by the Buddha Gotama for the Sangha. The Ananuññāta Sutta, Ordaining Without Permission, appears in the Pāṭimokkha, the list of 227 precepts for bhikkhus in the Theravāda tradition. This sutta is specifically related to one of the Pācittiya rules, offenses requiring confession for the fault to be cleared.

According to the historical context, this sutta was established when monks or seekers of the path, without permission from the Sangha or authorized persons, nevertheless performed ordination rites on their own initiative. This was a violation of the rules concerning discipline and order in the religious community.

Main Content

Ananuññāta in Pāli means "not permitted" or "not approved." This rule states that a person may not perform ordination rites or receive monastic status without clear approval from the Sangha or those authorized, usually a bhikkhu or upajjhāya, a preceptor.

The sutta makes clear that acting on one's own to enter upon the going forth without asking permission is an offense. If someone declares himself to be a monastic, puts on monastic robes on his own initiative, or performs acts reserved for one gone forth without official recognition by the Sangha, that person has violated the Ananuññāta rule.

The distinction between official approval (anuññāta) and lack of official approval is very important in the Vinaya system. It ensures that entry into the Sangha takes place through proper ceremonies, with the witnessing and approval of the monastic community. In this way, the Buddha-Dharma is transmitted in an orderly manner, and monastics are trained according to consistent standards.

Practical Meaning

The Ananuññāta Sutta is not merely an administrative rule, but also reflects a profound principle of mental discipline and respect for the community.