Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 117Ordaining a Breastfeeding Woman
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pāyantī
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Pāyantī Sutra: On Ordaining a Woman Who Is Breastfeeding
Background
The Pāyantī Sutra (Pāyantī Pācittiya) belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravada tradition, specifically the Pātimokkha Sutta, the collection of prohibitions (pātimokkha) that bhikkhunīs must observe. This sutra is recorded in the Pāli Canon as a detailed training rule (Pācittiya, an offense requiring confession), where the Buddha Śākyamuni laid down improper actions that require correction and apology.
In the early historical context, the admission of women to the bhikkhunī order always required careful consideration. The Buddha paid attention not only to the spiritual life of the one going forth, but also to biological conditions and practical legal circumstances. The case of a breastfeeding woman wishing to go forth raised the question: could she fully observe the prohibitions, or would responsibility for her child become an obstacle?
Main Content
The specific content of the Pāyantī Sutra has not been fully translated in the descriptive information, but according to the general context of the Vinaya Pitaka, this rule establishes that ordaining a breastfeeding woman without permission or proper arrangements is an offense (pācittiya). Specifically, if senior bhikkhunīs (upajjhāyā or ācariyā) actively ordain such a person without ensuring that she can fully concentrate on the holy life, they violate the rule.
What is the reason behind this rule? The Buddha Dharma emphasizes purity of mind in cultivation (bhāvanā sampakiriyā). A mother caring for her child cannot keep her mind wholly focused on the practice of the brahmavihāras or deep meditations. Moreover, the Vinaya Pitaka protects the welfare of the monastic community (Saṅgha) and of the young mother; neither side should be disturbed.
Practical Meaning
This sutra is not rigidity, but the profound compassion of the Buddha.
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