Lzh Mu Bi Pm Ss 10Ordaining a Criminal
Pāli / Sanskrit:Corīvuṭṭhāpikā
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An Explanation of the Corīvuṭṭhāpikā Sutta (Giving Ordination) – The Section on One Who Has Committed an Offense
Background
The Corīvuṭṭhāpikā Sutta belongs to the category of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the regulations concerning admitting people into the Sangha as monastics. In the Theravāda tradition of the Buddhadharma, the Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of rules, conditions, and procedures issued by the Buddha Gotama to protect the purity of the community of monks and nuns. The title “Ordaining a Criminal” clearly indicates the issue being addressed: whether a person with a criminal past, especially acts of theft or deception, may be admitted into the Sangha.
This sutta arose from specific situations in which monks applied principles of admission. The Buddhadharma emphasizes reformation and wisdom (paññā), but also establishes certain constraints to ensure the integrity of the Sangha. Therefore, regulations concerning the background and qualities of a person seeking ordination are necessary.
Main Content
Within the scope of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this sutta handles the question: can a person who was formerly a thief or committed acts of deception, yet wishes to leave a criminal life behind and vows to practice the Buddhadharma, be accepted by the Sangha?
According to the principles of the Theravāda Vinaya, the Buddha established preliminary conditions (pabbajjā): the person seeking to go forth must not be in dire destitution, must not be in debt to the king, must not be pursued by creditors, and must have the consent of parents. A person who has committed crimes, especially actions causing great harm to society, must be considered carefully.
Nevertheless, the Buddhadharma does not close the door absolutely. The core principle is: if a person is truly remorseful, wishes to abandon a criminal life, no longer intends to commit crimes, and is recognized by the community as sincere, then he may be specially accepted. However, this decision must be discussed and agreed upon by the whole Sangha.
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