Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 111Ordaining a Pregnant Woman

The Gabbhinī Sutta: Concerning the Going Forth of a Pregnant Woman

Background

The Vinaya Piṭaka records the rules governing the community of monks and nuns in the Buddhist monastic order. The Gabbhinī Sutta (Pāli: gabbhinī = a pregnant woman) is one of the detailed regulations in the Pātimokkha, the fundamental code for female monastics (bhikkhunīs). This rule arose from specific situations encountered by the Buddha when the community of nuns was still young.

In the early period, when the Dharma was newly being spread, many women in solitary or difficult circumstances, including pregnant women, came to Buddhism seeking ordination. This presented a subtle challenge concerning the authority to accept disciples, responsibility toward unborn children, and the maintenance of the purity of the Sangha. This sutta reflects the Buddha’s wisdom in balancing compassion and mindfulness.

Main Content

This rule concerns the question: may a pregnant woman go forth and receive the status of a nun? According to the Pātimokkha of the female community, accepting a pregnant woman into the Sangha without her clear consent and without special consideration is a violation of the rule (pācittiya, offenses requiring confession before the Sangha).

Specifically, if a nun causes a pregnant woman to arouse the intention to go forth without informing the Sangha or without clarity regarding that person’s circumstances, this is a wrongful act. This is not because Buddhism opposes the ordination of pregnant women, but because it is necessary to protect both the health of the mother and the child, while also protecting the purity of the Sangha from unnecessary suspicion.

This rule also reflects the principle that going forth must be a courageous and free decision, not compelled or based on the concealment of important facts. This shows that Buddhism values transparency and uprightness in decisions concerning practice.