Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 193Giving Ordination to Sikkhamānā Alone
Pāli / Sanskrit:Giving ordination to sikkhamānā alone
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Discourse on Giving Ordination to a Female Trainee Alone
Background
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the regulations on giving ordination are an indispensable part of Sangha discipline. This discourse belongs to the Pācittiya section, a part of the Pāli Bhikkhu Vibhaṅga explaining practice rules for nuns. A female trainee (sikkhamānā) is an intermediate status between laywomen and fully ordained nuns. She observes eight basic rules under the guidance of senior nuns, preparing for the complete monastic life.
The historical context shows that in the early period of Buddhism, establishing rules for women had to address many practical situations. When the Buddha Śākyamuni formally allowed women to go forth, he set forth specific conditions and procedures to ensure the stability of the monastic community. The Vinaya Piṭaka records specific cases, mistakes in practice, and the ways to remedy them. This discourse deals with a situation involving ordaining a female trainee improperly, especially when only one nun performs the act alone.
Main Content
According to the regulations in the Theravāda Vinaya, giving ordination to a female trainee must be carried out according to a strict procedure. Not every nun has the authority to give ordination; the one who gives ordination must be a nun recognized in the Sangha community, experienced in practice, and well versed in the regulations. Furthermore, ordination requires confirmation from the community, usually through the presence of at least two or three nuns.
This discourse addresses a case of violation: when a nun arbitrarily gives ordination to a female trainee without the participation of the community, or performs the ordination ceremony alone. This is considered a Pācittiya offense, a violation that is not too grave but still requires confession and repentance before the community.
This regulation is not a cold punishment, but an educational measure.
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