Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 126Ordaining Without Permission
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ananuññāta
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Sutra on Ordaining Without Permission (Ananuññāta)
Explanation According to the Vinaya Pitaka — Theravada Tradition
Background
The Ananuññāta Sutra (the purification rule concerning ordination without permission) is found in the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the section of regulations for bhikkhunīs. The Vinaya Pitaka was compiled through the gathering of the Buddha and the Sangha after the Buddha's dispensation had developed, in order to protect the disciplinary foundation of the monastic community.
The background of this rule arose when some female ascetics attempted to receive ordination, formally becoming bhikkhunīs, without asking permission or without authentication from senior monks. This is a matter directly connected with the legality of the ordination process, pabbajjā and upasampadā, as well as the integrity of the Sangha body.
Main Content
The rule on "ordination without permission" (ananuññāta) establishes that if a female ascetic wishes to receive ordination as a bhikkhunī, she must have official approval (anuññā) from the senior bhikkhus and the Sangha. To ordain oneself arbitrarily, or to be authenticated by unqualified bhikkhunīs, results in that ordination being unlawful.
This rule emphasizes four necessary factors: (1) the female ascetic must have a sincere intention, (2) there must be authentication by a Sangha of at least three bhikkhus, (3) there must be witnessing by senior monks, and (4) the formal rite must be followed. If any factor is lacking, especially the permission of the Sangha body, that person is not regarded as a lawful bhikkhunī.
Violation of this rule concerns not only personal discipline but also affects the entire Sangha body. A bhikkhunī who has been unlawfully ordained may weaken the collective moral conduct and cause disorder in the application of the common rules.
Practical Meaning
From the perspective of practice, this rule reflects a profound principle: participation in a spiritual community must be institutionalized and recognized.
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