Ka Bu Pm Pc 22Instructing Nuns After Sunset
Pāli / Sanskrit:Atthaṅgata
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Exposition of the Atthaṅgata Discourse (Ka Bu Pm Pc 22)
Teaching Bhikkhunīs After Sunset
Background
The Atthaṅgata discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, in the Pāṭimokkha Saṃvara, the prohibitions for bhikkhunīs. This discourse arose from a specific situation when the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī, where many monks and nuns were practicing.
The content of the discourse concerns a regulation on the time for teaching Dharma to bhikkhunīs. Accordingly, teaching and instructing bhikkhunīs should not be done after sunset (atthaṅgata), that is, late in the evening or at night. This rule is intended to protect the spirit of practice and avoid suspicion or criticism concerning the motives and conduct of both the teacher and the one being taught.
This rule reflects the principle of Theravāda Buddhism: maintaining purity among monks and nuns, protecting the honor of the religious community, and preserving the trust of the lay community (upāsakā).
Main Content
The Atthaṅgata discourse states that teachers, or those authorized to teach Dharma, must not teach or instruct bhikkhunīs after sunset. This rule belongs to the class of medium prohibitions (pācittiya), meaning that if it is violated, the person must confess and perform repentance.
The reason for this regulation is to avoid unwholesome appearances or impressions in the eyes of people. Darkness is a time when misunderstandings can easily arise; therefore, activities of Dharma instruction should take place during the day, in sunlight, where everything is clear and bright (sammā-sambuddha, clear and unconcealed).
This discourse also acknowledges that bhikkhunīs may still gather and practice meditation, recite scriptures, or take part in activities related to practice in the evening.
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