Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 123Not Ordaining Trainees After Promising
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvaradāna-sikkhamānana-vuṭṭhāpana
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EXPLANATION OF THE SUTTA ON NOT SUPPORTING A TRAINEE AFTER PROMISING TO GIVE ROBES
Background
This rule is recorded in the Vinaya section of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the fundamental code that bhikkhunīs must observe. This sutta concerns the management and conduct of bhikkhunīs toward trainees (sikkhamānā), women who wish to go forth but have not yet received the full level of bhikkhunī ordination.
The background arose from situations in the early Sangha, when some bhikkhunīs were unstable in character, insincere, or insufficiently diligent in practice. At times, they promised to provide robes, necessary possessions, for trainees in order to win them over or attract them into the monastic life, but afterward changed their decision, refused to confer ordination, or did not allow these trainees to continue on the path of practice. This harmed not only the trainees, but also caused trust in the Sangha to fall away.
Main Content
This rule stipulates that a bhikkhunī must not refuse or dismiss a trainee from the Sangha after having promised to provide that person with robes. This is an act of the nature of “pārasikkhia” in Pāli, an independent offense requiring public repentance.
The meaning of the rule is clear: once one has committed to support a person who wishes to practice, the guide has a spiritual responsibility to fulfill the promise. If for an unintentional reason, such as illness or financial hardship, she cannot fulfill it, the bhikkhunī must explain clearly and seek another way to provide support. However, if one promises and then refuses because of calculation or an arbitrary change of attitude, that is an act that violates the Vinaya.
This rule also reflects the principle of “Samādhi sīla,” moral discipline, in Theravāda Buddhism: responsibility to keep one’s word and to act consistently. It protects not only the rights of those who wish to practice, but also the honor and reliability of the Sangha.
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