Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 193Giving Ordination to Sikkhamānā Alone

Scripture Commentary: Giving Ordination to a Sikkhamānā Alone

Context

This content appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, particularly within the regulations concerning ordination in the bhikkhunī saṅgha. It forms part of the Pātimokkha — the code of rules governing the conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.

A sikkhamānā (a female probationer training in the precepts) is an intermediate grade between a sāmaṇerī (female novice) and a fully ordained bhikkhunī. These female trainees observe the Ten Precepts (Dasasīla) together with additional regulations. This text addresses the case of giving ordination to a sikkhamānā alone — that is, when a sufficient number of bhikkhunīs is not present, or under special circumstances.

Main Content

According to the standard rules of Theravāda Buddhism, giving ordination to a sikkhamānā is not merely a religious ceremony but a formally defined act of monastic law. Ordinarily, a sikkhamānā must receive ordination through a saṅghakamma — a formal resolution of the community of bhikkhunīs or bhikkhus.

The case of giving ordination "alone" (ekā) is set forth to address practical situations in which the conditions for a formal ceremony cannot be met. This point of Vinaya reflects the practical flexibility of the Vinaya itself — not for the purpose of relaxing standards, but to ensure that those with sincere aspiration for the training are able to access the path of practice.

The specific provisions of this rule include the prerequisites that the female trainee must fulfill: purity of body (freedom from serious offenses), appropriate age, and genuine intention to train. The one who performs the ordination must be a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī of sufficient seniority in the training — of at least fifty rains retreats (vassas).