Lzh Mg Bi Vb Ss 10Reinstating One Ejected

– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

– THE PRECEPTS OF THE BHIKKHUNĪS

– EXPLAINING THE FIRST PART OF THE 19 SAṂGHĀDISESA RULES

10. PRECEPT: LIFTING ANOTHER'S OFFENSE ON ONE'S OWN AUTHORITY.

When the Buddha was residing in the city of Sāvatthī, at that time the bhikkhunī Kālī went wandering through the villages. After she had departed, the Bhikkhunī Saṃgha performed a kammavācā censuring her dependent disciple. When she returned, her disciple informed her: "The Bhikkhunī Saṃgha has performed a kammavācā censuring me; they will not allow me to share in the material and fine requisites." She then rebuked her disciple, saying: "You keep silent, but have the Bhikkhunī Saṃgha convened," and so the assembly was convened.

Each of the bhikkhunīs thought to herself: "This bhikkhunī has returned from afar and is convening the Saṃgha; she is always fond of distributing gifts — one wonders what we will receive today." Because of this thought, everyone was pleased and assembled quickly. After they had assembled, she made the following announcement:

—May the venerable Saṃgha listen. Bhikkhunī So-and-so has had a kammavācā of censure performed against her by the Saṃgha. If the time has come for the Saṃgha, may the Saṃgha now lift the kammavācā of censure from Bhikkhunī So-and-so. This is the motion.

—May the venerable Saṃgha listen. Bhikkhunī So-and-so has had a kammavācā of censure performed against her by the Saṃgha; now the Saṃgha lifts the kammavācā of censure from Bhikkhunī So-and-so. Those among the venerable Saṃgha who consent to lifting the kammavācā of censure from Bhikkhunī So-and-so should remain silent; those who do not consent should speak. This is the first proclamation of the kammavācā. (The second and third times are performed in the same manner.)

The bhikkhunīs, seeing that this bhikkhunī's eyes were frightening, did not dare to object. Afterward, the bhikkhunīs murmured to one another: "What was that all about?" And each one said: "I did not understand it either."

The bhikkhunīs then reported the matter to Mahāpajāpatī. Mahāpajāpatī brought it before the Blessed One. The Buddha had that bhikkhunī summoned. When she arrived, the Buddha asked:

—Did this actually happen?

—It did indeed happen thus, Blessed One!

—That is against the Dharma. Why is it that, knowing the Bhikkhunī Saṃgha had performed the kammavācā of censure in accordance with the Dharma and the Vinaya, and that the one censured had not yet complied nor acted in accordance with the Dharma, you lifted the kammavācā on your own authority without first presenting the matter to the Saṃgha? From this time forward, I do not permit such action.

The Buddha then instructed Mahāpajāpatī to inform all the bhikkhunīs residing in Sāvatthī to assemble, so that even those who had already heard would hear again:

—If a bhikkhunī knows that the harmonious Bhikkhunī Saṃgha has performed a kammavācā of censure in accordance with the Dharma and the Vinaya; if the offender has not yet acted in accordance with the Dharma; and if she, without first presenting the matter to the Saṃgha, lifts the offense on her own authority — she commits the initial offense of saṃghādisesa.

EXPLANATION:

(Some terms have already been explained above.)

In accordance with the Dharma, in accordance with the Vinaya: If a fault is not seen, the fault is not pointed out three times so that it may be seen.

Has not yet lifted the kammavācā of censure: She may not live in community.

Has not yet acted in accordance with the Dharma: She has not yet complied; the mind has not yet been tamed; the Saṃgha has not yet lifted the offense.

Without first presenting the matter: Without first performing the kammavācā seeking permission before the Saṃgha, she lifts the offense on her own authority in the midst of the Saṃgha — she commits the initial offense of saṃghādisesa.

Saṃghādisesa: As explained above.

If a disciple has had the kammavācā of censure performed against her by the harmonious Saṃgha, the preceptress bhikkhunī or the teacher bhikkhunī should go before a senior bhikkhunī and say: "One who is not foolish, who has no fault, who at all times possesses wisdom — it was only through not knowing that she acted thus, and she will not dare to offend again." One should speak in this way to all concerned so as to soften their minds, and only then should one perform the kammavācā seeking permission in the midst of the Saṃgha. The one performing the kammavācā should say:

—May the venerable Saṃgha listen. Bhikkhunī So-and-so, because of a certain matter, had a kammavācā of censure performed against her by the Saṃgha. Now she has complied, and her mind has become pliant. If the time has come for the Saṃgha, So-and-so now wishes to come before the Saṃgha to request that the kammavācā of censure be lifted.

—May the venerable Saṃgha listen. So-and-so wishes to come before the Saṃgha to request that the kammavācā of censure be lifted. Since the Saṃgha has consented by its silence, the matter shall be carried out accordingly.

This kammavācā must be performed in this manner before the request is made. If anyone raises an objection, the preceptress should use gentle words to persuade them to desist.

If a bhikkhunī knows that the harmonious Saṃgha has performed a kammavācā of censure in accordance with the Dharma and the Vinaya, and yet lifts the kammavācā on her own authority, she commits an offense of violation of the Vinaya.

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