Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 110Ordaining Trained Unmarried Girls Without Approval

Scripture Commentary on Ordaining an Unmarried Young Woman Without Approval

Background

This scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha’s Dharma, specifically the section on the rules for women, the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha. It reflects the regulations that governed the organization and order of the monastic community in the early period of Buddhism.

The historical background shows that when the Buddha accepted women who had previously been forbidden from going forth, he established clear conditions to protect the integrity and order of the Sangha. Unmarried young women who had not yet reached full maturity needed the approval of their parents or guardians, together with a process of training (Sikkhāṭṭhāna), before they could formally receive full ordination, that is, formally go forth as nuns.

Main Content

This rule states that allowing a young woman (kumāribhūta) who has not yet reached twenty years of age, who has been trained in the basic precepts (sikkhita), but who lacks approval (asammata) from her parents or legal guardians, to go forth is a violation of the Vinaya Piṭaka.

Specifically, the nun appointed to confer this full ordination is regarded as having committed a Pācittiya (Pāc), or confession offense, a fault requiring confession and acknowledgment before other nuns. The person who formally confers the ordination on her is also implicated in this violation.

This rule is not exceptional or overly severe; it reflects the respect of Theravāda Buddhism for family and legal responsibility. A young woman not yet fully mature according to the laws of that time needed the consent of her lawful guardians. The training process (sikkhana) confirmed that she had sufficient intention and commitment, but the absence of “approval” (sammati) still made the ordination invalid.

Practical Meaning

This rule teaches us two profound lessons.