Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 121Ordaining Untrained Candidate
Pāli / Sanskrit:Asikkhita-sikkhamānā
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Sutta on Ordaining an Untrained Female Candidate
Background
This regulation is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha Nissaggiya Pācittiya section, and reflects controversies and rules concerning the admission of female candidates (sikkhamānā) into the community of nuns in the early period of Buddhism. In its historical context, the Blessed Buddha established the bhikkhunī community with careful preparatory steps. One of those steps was the training stage (sikkhamānā), during which a female Buddhist preparing to go forth had to attain basic training in the discipline, doctrine, and proper conduct before receiving full ordination.
The issue arose when some persons wished to admit a female Buddhist who had not completed the training stage (asikkhita) into the community of nuns, or tried to shorten the necessary period of preparation. This regulation was established to protect the integrity and diligence of the bhikkhunī community, ensuring that every female Buddhist admitted to ordination had reached a minimum level of readiness.
Main Content
The regulation concerning “ordaining an untrained female Buddhist” (asikkhita-sikkhamānā) arose from a specific case in the early community of monks and nuns. When a female Buddhist who had not fully completed the stages of training was brought into the status of sikkhamānā, or when the ordaining person failed to follow the prescribed steps of preparation, this was considered a pācittiya violation, an offense requiring confession and correction.
The Vinaya Piṭaka prescribes that, before a female trainee can be admitted to the status of bhikkhunī, she must undergo two years of training in the rules of training (sekha-sikkhā) under the guidance of a bhikkhunī preceptor (upajjhāyā). This period helps her cultivate the mind of Dharma, understand the discipline, and develop the necessary qualities of diligence. If anyone easily admits a female Buddhist who is not qualified, they commit a pācittiya offense and must confess openly before the community of nuns.
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