Lzh Mg Bi Vb Pc 106Every Year

– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

– THE RULES OF DISCIPLINE FOR BHIKKHUNĪS

– EXPLAINING THE FIRST SECTION OF THE 141 PĀCITTIYAS

106. RULE: ORDAINING A DISCIPLE EVERY YEAR.

When the Buddha was dwelling in the city of Sāvatthī, at that time certain bhikkhunīs were ordaining disciples with full ordination every single year. Doubt arose in their minds as to whether this was permissible, so they asked Mahāpajāpatī. Mahāpajāpatī then went and reported the matter to the Blessed One. The Buddha immediately instructed that the bhikkhunī in question be summoned. When she had arrived, the Buddha asked:

—Did this actually happen?

—It did indeed, Blessed One!

—From now on, I do not permit ordaining a disciple every year; there must be an interval of one year between ordinations.

Thereupon, the Buddha instructed Mahāpajāpatī to convey this ruling to all bhikkhunīs residing in the city of Sāvatthī, who were to assemble together, and even those who had already heard it were to hear it again:

—If a bhikkhunī ordains a disciple every year, she commits a Pācittiya offense.

EXPLANATION:

Every year: Each rainy season.

Ordaining a disciple: That is, conferring full ordination.

Pācittiya: As stated above. The Buddha does not permit ordaining a disciple every year; there must be an interval of one year. However, if a bhikkhunī has merit, she may have her disciple train in the precepts in the first year and receive full ordination in the second year; in this way, although she may ordain someone in any given year, there is no offense. Therefore the Blessed One spoke thus (as above).

Vietnamese translation: Thích Phước Sơn. MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

Chinese translation: TRIPIṬAKA BUDDHABHADRA OF INDIA

TOGETHER WITH ŚRAMAṆA FAXIAN, TRANSLATED DURING THE EASTERN JIN DYNASTY

Verification of meaning: Thích Đỗng Minh