Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 116Ordaining Untrained Candidate
Pāli / Sanskrit:Asikkhita-sikkhamānā
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Scripture on the Procedure for Receiving the Precepts (Asikkhita-sikkhamānā)
Background
This scripture is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the collection of rules of moral training intended especially for nuns. Its appearance reflects the historical context in which the Blessed Buddha allowed women to go forth as sikkhamānās, female trainees in the stage of training before receiving full ordination (upasampadā).
The issue raised in this scripture concerns a definite situation: what happens when a candidate to become a bhikkhunī has not been properly trained or does not fully meet the necessary conditions, yet wishes to proceed with the ordination ceremony? This is a very important practical question, because ordination under incomplete conditions would affect the legal validity of that person’s entire monastic practice.
This legal context arose from the need to maintain the purity of the Buddhist community (saṅgha), especially in protecting the Dharma and the practice of discipline (sīla) according to the proper tradition.
Main Content
The scripture concerns the rule that a candidate who wishes to become a fully ordained bhikkhunī must pass through the training stage (sikkhamānā) for at least two years. During this period, she must study and practice the necessary conditions, including mastery of ethical principles, understanding of the Dharma, and the ability to manage unwholesome habits that could affect her practice.
If someone wishes to receive ordination without having completed this training process (asikkhita), or if she has not been confirmed as ready by the bhikkhunī community, then that ordination is considered invalid. This is not merely a matter of form, but directly affects the legal character of the precepts she receives.
The Vinaya Piṭaka makes clear that the senior bhikkhunīs have the responsibility to assess whether the candidate is ready.
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