Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 109Ordaining Trained Married Girls Without Approval

Exposition of the Sutta: Admitting a Married Woman Who Has Been Fully Trained Into the Order Without Approval

Background

This sutta belongs to the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the analysis of the Bhikkhunī rules, in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pācittiya section, offenses requiring confession. In the earliest stage of the Sangha, the Buddha established the Bhikkhunī Sangha, but issues concerning the conditions for admitting a woman into the Order continually arose. This sutta addresses a specific case: admitting a woman who is married (gihigata) and has been fully trained for twelve years (paripuṇṇa-dvādasavassa-sikkhita) into the Order without the approval of her husband or those with authority in her family.

This matter reflects real tensions between adherence to the social norms of the sixth century BCE and the spiritual ideal of the Buddhadharma. The disciplinary rule concerning this was established to protect both the Sangha and social harmony, especially the right of those with legal responsibility for the woman to be consulted beforehand.

Main Content

According to the Bhikkhunī Pācittiya, any bhikkhunī who admits a married woman (gihigata) into the Order without the approval of her husband or those in authority commits a Pācittiya offense. The condition “fully trained for twelve years” (paripuṇṇadvādasavassa-sikkhita) indicates that she has completed the preliminary training stage as a sikkhamānā or has had years of training in another community.

“Without approval” (asammata) is the key point of this rule. Approval is not a modern administrative document but clear, confirmed consent. If the husband or family has not been informed or has not expressed consent, and she is nevertheless admitted into the Sangha, the acting bhikkhunī commits an offense.