Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 82Royal Compounds
Pāli / Sanskrit:Antepura
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Antepura Sutta — Disciplinary Rule Concerning the Inner Apartments of the Royal Palace
Background
The Antepura Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically the Pācittiya disciplinary section of the Vinaya Piṭaka. This discourse records regulations set forth by the Buddha Śākyamuni for bhikkhunīs, female renunciants, when they travel through or stay in the inner quarters of a royal palace (Antepura).
The inner quarters (antepura, also called the harem) are where the female members of the royal household live, and are not a safe place for renunciants. This context arose when some bhikkhunīs, though they had gone forth, were still allowed to enter and leave such places because of family connections or duties of service. However, this created many risks for their virtue and the purity of their renunciant status.
Main Content
The Antepura Sutta states that bhikkhunīs are not permitted to enter or remain in the inner apartments of a palace without a legitimate reason, or, if they enter, must observe strict conditions. Violations of this regulation lead to a Pācittiya offense, the type of violation requiring confession and repentance before the Sangha.
This discourse emphasizes that the environment of the royal palace, where kings, princes, male attendants, and other men are present, is not suitable for the pure life of female renunciants. It can lead to unwanted attention, unnecessary doubts about their virtue, and situations that may disturb the mind or harm the reputation of the Sangha.
Permitted exceptions may include medical duties, or occasions when members of the royal family request to receive the Dharma. However, even in such cases, bhikkhunīs must practice carefully and should not stay for a long time.
Practical Meaning
The Antepura Sutta reflects a core principle of the Vinaya Piṭaka: protecting the purity of the Sangha and sustaining the vitality of the community that follows the Buddha-Dharma.
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