Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 124Ordaining Without Permission
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ananuññāta
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Commentary on the Ananuññāta Scripture (Going Forth Without Permission)
Background
The Ananuññāta scripture lies in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the rules concerning offenses against the Sangha, whether in the Bhikkhunī-Pātimokkha or the Bhikkhu-Pātimokkha. The general context of the scripture comes from the early stages of the Dharma, when the Buddha and his disciples began establishing principles for governing the monastic community. This scripture reflects a practical issue: if someone is made to go forth (pabbajjā) or receive bhikkhu ordination (upasampadā) without recognition or consent from the Sangha assembly, that situation creates conflict in discipline and the rite of entry.
The Vinaya Piṭaka was established by the Buddha not to constrain, but to protect the integrity of the Sangha, the monastic community, and to ensure that those who follow the discipline do so with pure intention. Ordination without recognized permission is in essence an act that violates a solemn procedure and affects the legality of that monastic’s status.
Main Content
The Ananuññāta scripture treats a specific situation: when a person wishes to go forth but the process of entry is not clearly recognized by the Sangha assembly or the presiding preceptor (upajjhāya), or is carried out outside the established legal framework. This may happen for reasons such as the person’s refusal, or because necessary steps in the process were omitted.
According to the Theravāda tradition, entry into the Sangha assembly must pass through clear stages: first is going forth (pabbajjā), where the person cuts the hair, wears the robes of the monastic community, and continues to learn the four purifications; afterward comes bhikkhu or bhikkhunī ordination (upasampadā), the formal ceremony recognized by the Sangha assembly. If someone goes forth on their own initiative or declares themselves a bhikkhu without approval from the Sangha or instructor, the scripture states that this is a serious violation.
The consequence of this is not only a personal violation, but also affects the legality of that person’s activities of practice.
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