Lzh Mg Bi Vb Pc 93Anaṅgopeta

– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

– RULES OF DISCIPLINE FOR BHIKKHUNĪS

– ELUCIDATION OF THE FIRST SECTION OF THE 141 PĀCITTIYAS

93. RULE: TAKING A DISCIPLE WITHOUT POSSESSING THE TEN QUALITIES.

When the Buddha was residing in the city of Sāvatthī, after he had laid down the rule prohibiting one who had not completed twelve rains-retreats from taking a disciple, the group of six bhikkhunīs and other bhikkhunīs who had completed twelve rains-retreats but had not yet fulfilled the ten qualities took disciples without instructing them, leaving them like wild oxen or wild goats, so much so that they did not even know how to wear the robe or hold the bowl. The bhikkhunīs then reported the matter to Mahāpajāpatī. In the end, they replied to the Buddha: "It is exactly so, Blessed One." The Buddha said: "From now on, I do not permit one who has not yet fulfilled the ten qualities to take a disciple."

Thereupon the Buddha instructed Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī to transmit the order to all bhikkhunīs dwelling in the city of Sāvatthī to assemble together — even those who had already heard it were to hear it again:

—If a bhikkhunī has completed twelve rains-retreats but has not yet fulfilled the ten qualities and takes a disciple, she commits a pācittiya offense.

EXPLANATION:

Bhikkhunī: As stated above.

Having completed twelve rains-retreats: As stated above.

Not yet having fulfilled the ten qualities: This means the ten qualities have not been accomplished. Those ten qualities are:

1. Maintaining the precepts.

2. Having heard much of the Abhidharma (Treatises).

3. Having heard much of the Vinaya (Discipline).

4. Having studied the precepts.

5. Having studied concentration.

6. Having studied wisdom.

7. Being able to confess one's own offenses and to direct others in confessing offenses.

8. If a devoted disciple wishes to abandon the training, being able either personally or through another to take that person elsewhere (to a place of shelter).

9. When a disciple is ill, being able either personally or through another to care for that person.

10. Having completed twelve rains-retreats (vassa seniority) or more.

These are called the ten qualities.

If one has not yet fulfilled the ten qualities and ordains a disciple, one commits a Vinaya offense. If one confers full ordination upon such a person, one commits a pācittiya offense.

If a bhikkhu has not yet fulfilled the ten qualities and ordains another person, he commits a Vinaya offense. Therefore the Blessed One has spoken (as above).

Vietnamese translation: Thích Phước Sơn. MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

Chinese translation: THE TRIPIṬAKA MASTER BUDDHABHADRA OF INDIA

TOGETHER WITH THE ŚRAMAṆA FAXIAN, TRANSLATED DURING THE EASTERN JIN DYNASTY

DOCTRINAL VERIFICATION: THÍCH ĐỖNG MINH