Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Ss 8Ordaining a Criminal

Explanation of the Corīvuṭṭhāpikā Sutta (The Sutta on Ordaining a Person Guilty of Fraud)

Background

Corīvuṭṭhāpikā is a rule belonging to the Pārājika section, the four grave offenses, in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the chapter explaining the discipline for bhikkhunīs, of the Theravāda Vinaya Pitaka. This text records a specific situation concerning the acceptance of a woman into the community of monks and nuns for ordination.

In the historical context, the Buddha and the leading disciples had to establish clear guidelines to maintain the diligence of the religious community. The rules in the Pāli Canon are not mechanical punishments, but principles to protect the Dharma and guide monastics in the practice of a high ethical path. The case of a “person guilty of fraud” (corī, that is, a thief or deceiver) must be handled carefully when such a person wishes to enter the monastic community.

Main Content

The text prescribes that if a woman with a history of theft or fraud wishes to go forth as a bhikkhunī, the monastic community must clearly verify her condition before allowing formal ordination. This is to ensure that the community of monks and nuns is not defiled by factors that harm Buddhist faith and the purity of the Dharma.

Specifically, a person guilty under the law of the country or under social morality cannot be accepted into the religion if she still has a “debt” or has not yet resolved the consequences of her wrongful action. This rule reflects the principle of cause and effect (kamma-vipāka): actions have consequences that cannot be ignored or evaded.

If a bhikkhunī is discovered to have formerly been a deceiver and did not disclose this before ordination, or if she continues to act deceitfully after ordination, this is regarded as a Pārājika offense, a grave offense, leading to her permanent expulsion from the community of monks and nuns. There is no opportunity for re-entry or service again.