Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 105Ordaining Trained Married Girls Without Approval

Commentary on the Scripture Concerning the Ordination of a Married Female Trainee Without Approval

Background

This scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the explanation of the rules for bhikkhunīs, which records the rules of life for bhikkhunīs in the time of the Buddha. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a collection of mechanical punishments, but ethical guidance developed from real situations that arose within the fourfold community.

The title of this scripture, “Paripuṇṇadvādasavassa-sikkhita-gihigata-asammata,” points directly to a specific legal case: giving ordination as a bhikkhunī to a married woman who has trained fully for twelve years in the path, without approval from her husband or family. This is an issue related to the legality of ordination and respect for social relationships on the basis of merit (puñña) and moral conduct.

Main Content

In the social context of early Buddhist India, married women were considered to have responsibilities toward their families. However, the Buddha recognized women’s spiritual freedom and allowed them to go forth in search of the path. But the question arose: is this ordination lawful if it lacks the consent of the husband or guardian?

This scripture stipulates that a woman who has practiced the Five Precepts (Pañcasīla) or Eight Precepts (Aṭṭhasīla) in household life for twelve years, showing firm resolve in practice, if she wishes to go forth as a bhikkhunī without approval from her husband, then that ordination is not considered valid according to the rules of the Sangha. The reason is that such ordination violates the principle of respect for social relationships and family responsibilities, and at the same time violates one of the Pātimokkha rules, the fundamental code of precepts. The bhikkhunī who accepts her commits a Pācittiya offense, a minor fault requiring declaration.