Lzh Dg Bi Pm Sk 52Not Teach One With Robes Hitched Up

Exposition of the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha Rules

Background

The Bhikkhunī Rules section is one of the essential parts of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Pātimokkha is the basic code, consisting of rules of practice that each bhikkhunī must observe. This code was gradually established by Buddha Śākyamuni to maintain discipline in the community of female monastics, protect the truth of the teaching, and help female disciples practice toward nirvana.

The arising of the Pātimokkha for bhikkhunīs is connected with the story of the Buddha permitting the establishment of the community of female monastics. At first, women were not permitted to go forth, but when the Buddha consented, Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī became the first bhikkhunī. To ensure that female monastics practiced purely and were not subject to disgrace, the Buddha established rules more detailed than those for bhikkhus.

Main Content

The Pātimokkha for bhikkhunīs includes 311 or 347 rules, depending on the traditions of different countries. The rules are divided into groups according to the degree of offense:

Pārājika are the four gravest rules; violation leads to exclusion from the community. They include killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, and lying about superhuman attainments.

Saṅghādisesa are rules from which restoration is possible through a communal procedure, often concerning behavior that may endanger the discipline of the Sangha.

Aniyata are rules whose circumstances are not clearly determined.

Nissaggiya Pācittiya are rules requiring public confession and forfeiture of the offending item.

Pācittiya are lighter offenses, requiring only confession to another person.

Pātidesanīya are rules requiring public acknowledgment.

Sekhiya are rules concerning etiquette, dress, speech, and social conduct.