Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 117Giving Ordination to One of Bad Character
Pāli / Sanskrit:Giving ordination to one of bad character
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Commentary: Giving Pabbajjā to One of Bad Character
Background
This passage belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, where the rules of conduct and discipline for communities of monks and nuns are recorded. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not simply a set of mechanical prohibitions, but an expression of Buddhist ethics embodied in concrete behavior.
This scripture addresses the issue of selecting those worthy to enter monastic training. The Buddha established strict standards to protect the integrity of the Sangha, the monastic community. Not everyone can receive pabbajjā, the initial going forth, or bhikkhunī upasampadā, full ordination, because the character of that person directly affects spiritual development and the reputation of the Teaching.
The historical background shows that the Buddha encountered cases of admitting people of bad character, including those who had committed theft, murder, or who had motives of gain when entering the Sangha. Such people not only failed to progress on the path of practice, but also harmed the reputation and harmony of the Sangha.
Main Content
This rule states that giving pabbajjā to a person of bad character, lacking sincerity or having improper motives, is an action not in accordance with the Vinaya. The standards of assessment include the following: one who wishes to go forth must have sincere resolve in training, must not be coerced by outside forces, and must not be doing so in order to escape responsibilities or offenses in the world.
The person presiding over ordination, the preceptor, has the responsibility to verify the background of the candidate. If it is discovered that this person has a history of legal violations or an untrustworthy character, the preceptor should refuse admission. This is not discrimination, but protection of the person concerned and assurance that going forth is a meaningful step on the path to liberation.
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