Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 122Giving Ordination to Trained Maiden of 20 Without Sangha Agreement
Pāli / Sanskrit:Giving ordination to trained maiden of 20 without Sangha agreement
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Scripture Commentary: Conferring Ordination upon a Twenty-Year-Old Trained Maiden Without the Approval of the Sangha
Background
This scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, specifically the Parivartta (recension) section concerning the regulations governing the Sangha. During the early period of Buddhism, the Buddha established rules governing the conferral of ordination in order to protect the integrity of the monastic community. Among the points most strongly emphasized is the necessity of approval from the Sangha—that is, the entire monastic community—when deciding to admit a person into the order.
This scripture addresses a specific case: when a female novice trainee (Sikkhamānā—a trained maiden) has reached the age of twenty and is conferred ordination without the full approval of the Sangha. This constitutes a serious violation of the Vinaya, as it undermines the democratic and collective principle in the governance of the Buddhist community.
Main Content
According to the spirit of the Early Vinaya Piṭaka, the conferral of the Bhikkhunī precepts (the ordination of a nun) must be carried out through a formal procedure known as Anumodanā (approval). This process is not a mere external formality, but is an expression of the community's unity of mind and intention regarding the candidate's spiritual qualities.
When a female novice trainee has fulfilled all the necessary conditions (including the minimum age of twenty years according to the Buddhist calendar), the preceptor (Upajjhāyinī) or senior monastics must present the candidate's information before the entire Sangha. If any member is absent, or if there is any objection, the ordination may not be conferred. To proceed in such a manner—without awaiting the Sangha's approval—is regarded as a violation of Pācittiya (a rule requiring confession and expiation), as it manifests disrespect toward the Sangha and an act of self-willed unilateral conduct.
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