Lzh Mu Kd 18bNuns

Exposition of the Bhikkhunī Scripture (The Scripture on Nuns)

Context

The Bhikkhunī scripture (Pāli: Bhikkhunī, meaning “female bhikkhus” or nuns) is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It is a collection of rules and regulations that the Buddha Gotama established for the community of bhikkhunīs when they were permitted to enter the Sangha.

According to traditional history, the first bhikkhunīs were witnessed through the Buddha’s family connection, including Yasodharā, after the Buddha accepted the request of Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī, the Buddha’s aunt. However, the establishment of the Bhikkhunī Sangha (community of nuns) was not spontaneous, but had strict conditions and rules. This scripture records the basic principles of discipline, practice, and administration for the community of female monastics.

Main Content

The Bhikkhunī scripture in the Vinaya Piṭaka presents specific regulations (Pātimokkha) reserved for bhikkhunīs. These rules include offense categories divided into many levels: Pārājika (defeats), Saṅghādisesa (offenses requiring confession before the Sangha), Aniyata (undetermined offenses), Nissaggiya Pācittiya (offenses requiring forfeiture and confession), Pācittiya (offenses requiring confession), Pāṭidesanīya (offenses requiring acknowledgment), and Sekhiya (training rules).

These regulations address ethical and organizational matters: bodily cleanliness, proper handling of property, a simple and pure lifestyle, relationships with male bhikkhus, and rules concerning education, meditative practice, and study of the Dharma. The purpose of these rules is not to restrict freedom, but to create a foundation for wholesome practice (kusala) and remove unwholesome states (akusala).

An important aspect is the Mahāpadesa (Eight Great Principles), higher principles that help bhikkhunīs understand and apply the law flexibly, in accordance with particular circumstances, without rigidity.