Lzh Mg Bi Vb Pc 108Not Departing With Disciple

– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

– RULES OF DISCIPLINE FOR BHIKKHUNĪS

– EXPLAINING THE FIRST SECTION OF THE 141 PĀCITTIYAS

108. RULE: FAILING TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WHEN A DISCIPLE HAS A PROBLEM.

When the Buddha was residing in the city of Vesālī, at that time the bhikkhunī Kālī ordained the third daughter of the Licchavī clan as a monastic. Thereafter, this woman lived in close association with laypeople and those of other sects. The bhikkhunīs then said to the bhikkhunī Kālī: "You know that your disciple is living in close association with laypeople and those of other sects — why have you not taken her away to live separately elsewhere?"

The bhikkhunīs then spoke to Mahāpajāpatī. Mahāpajāpatī brought the matter and reported it to the Blessed One. The Buddha then instructed that the bhikkhunī Kālī be summoned. When she arrived, the Buddha asked:

—Is this matter true?

—It is true, Blessed One!

—This is a wrongful thing. Why, knowing that your disciple is living in close association with laypeople and those of other sects, have you not separated them? From now on, I do not permit this to be done.

Thereupon, the Buddha instructed Mahāpajāpatī to issue a command that all the bhikkhunīs residing in the city of Vesālī must assemble, and even those who had already heard were to hear it again:

—If a bhikkhunī ordains a disciple who has a problem and does not herself escort that disciple, or direct another to escort that disciple, to a distance of at least five or six yojanas away, she commits a pācittiya offence.

EXPLANATION:

One who ordains another: That is, the preceptor bhikkhunī.

Disciple: That is, the disciple who lives together with her.

Has a problem: That is, the disciple wishes to leave the monastic life, or the parents and relatives wish her to leave, or a husband or uncle wishes her to leave.

Escort away: Either by going oneself, or by directing another to do so.

At least five or six yojanas: The minimum measure is six yojanas.

If a disciple is living in close association with laypeople, she should be taken on a journey. If one is oneself old and infirm and unable to do this, then one should convey a message through another person, instructing: "You should go on pilgrimage to pay homage at temples and stūpas — you will gain much merit, and at the same time encounter wholesome assemblies that will broaden your understanding. If I were not so old, I too would go."

If a bhikkhu has a co-residing disciple who has a problem, and he does not himself escort that disciple away or direct another to take that disciple elsewhere, he commits a dukkaṭa offence. Therefore the Blessed One has spoken (as above).

Vietnamese translation: Thích Phước Sơn. MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

Chinese translation: TRIPIṬAKA BUDDHĀBHADRA OF INDIA

TOGETHER WITH ŚRAMAṆA FAXIAN, TRANSLATED DURING THE EASTERN JIN DYNASTY

Verification of meaning: Thích Đỗng Minh