Lzh Mu Bu Pm Pc 72Ordaining Under Twenty

Explanation of the Ūnavīsativassa Sutta (Ordaining Under Twenty)

Background

The Ūnavīsativassa Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon, the basic legislative component of the Theravāda tradition. This discourse is found in the Parivāra, the supplementary section of the Vinaya, where detailed regulations related to going forth and the practice of the Sangha are recorded.

In the time of Śākyamuni Buddha, when the Teaching was still young, it was very important that those wishing to go forth meet the conditions of age and mental maturity. The Ūnavīsativassa Sutta was promulgated by the Buddha to protect the Dharma method, ensuring that those who go forth possess a minimum maturity of body and mind. The term “ūnavīsati-vassa” means “under twenty years of age” (literally: nineteen years old or less), clearly setting out the minimum age necessary for receiving ordination.

Main Content

This discourse states that a person under twenty years of age (ūnavīsativassa) may not be admitted and ordained as a novice (śrāmaṇera, trainee practitioner) or bhikṣu (bhikkhu, monk). This regulation is not an unjust restriction, but a protective measure for both the individual and the Sangha.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, one who wishes to go forth must meet prerequisites: one must be a free human being, not a slave; not afflicted by serious contagious diseases; not suffering from mental illness; and most importantly, must have reached the prescribed age. Twenty is regarded as the threshold of maturity at which an individual has sufficient judgment, mental moderation, and capacity to persevere in the practice of the Buddha-Dharma.

If the presiding monk ordains someone under age, this action violates the Vinaya, and the entrant is not considered a legally valid monk. This is one of the offenses (āpatti) for which a bhikṣu must accept responsibility.

Meaning for Practice

This regulation reflects the profound understanding of the Buddha-Dharma concerning human maturity.