Lzh Mg Bi Vb Pc 119Within Their Own Country

– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

– PRECEPTS FOR BHIKKHUNĪS

– ELUCIDATING THE FIRST SECTION OF THE 141 PĀYANTIKA RULES

119. PRECEPT: SIGHTSEEING IN SCENIC PLACES.

When the Buddha was residing in the city of Sāvatthī, at that time bhikkhunīs went with laywomen to visit gardens and ponds. Then the laywomen went to the edge of the pond to eat and drink, while the bhikkhunīs entered the village to go sightseeing. At that moment, some young men came out from the forest and harassed the bhikkhunīs.

The bhikkhunīs then reported the matter to Mahāpajāpatī. In the end, the Buddha instructed: Even those who have already heard this must hear it again:

—If a bhikkhunī goes to a garden, a forested area, or a deserted place within the territory (of a country) for the purpose of sightseeing, she commits a pāyantika offense.

EXPLANATION:

Within the territory: Within the land of a king.

Garden: Such as an ambala garden up to an atimuttaka garden.

Forested area: That is, areas planted with trees.

Deserted place: That is, places where there are no dwellings. If one goes sightseeing in such places, one commits a pāyantika offense.

Pāyantika: As stated above. If a bhikkhunī goes sightseeing in a garden, forest, or deserted place, she commits a dukkhaṭa offense at the moment of setting out, and a pāyantika offense upon arriving at the destination. If a female donor invites her to go along with them, there is no offense.

If a bhikkhu goes sightseeing in a garden, forest, or deserted place out of a desire for pleasure, he commits a dukkhaṭa offense. 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

MEANING VERIFIED BY: THÍCH ĐỖNG MINH