San Sarv Bi Pm Tf 44 Ss 8Ordaining a Criminal
Pāli / Sanskrit:Corīvuṭṭhāpikā
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The Corīvuṭṭhāpikā Discourse — On Ordaining One Who Has Committed a Crime
Background
This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition and reflects principles for protecting the Sangha when receiving those who wish to go forth. The Vinaya Piṭaka, or Patimokkha, is the first body of law composed by the Blessed Buddha for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, in order to maintain discipline, harmony, and the spirit of collective practice.
The historical context of the discourse records that, at some point, individuals who had committed crimes or fled from justice wished to enter the Sangha in order to avoid punishment or conceal their past. This caused concern for the Sangha because it could damage the honor of the monastic community and undermine the people's trust. Therefore, the Blessed Buddha established specific regulations concerning the conditions for receiving those who wish to be ordained, including clear provisions that people with criminal conduct should not be allowed to enter the Sangha.
Main Content
Corīvuṭṭhāpikā, from corī = stealing and vuṭṭhāpikā = concealment or sheltering, refers to a specific situation: when a person with a history of crime, especially theft or other unlawful conduct, wishes to enter the Sangha, the Sangha must examine the matter carefully.
The discourse stipulates that a person may be ordained only if they are no longer wanted or accused of a serious crime. In addition, one who wishes to enter the Sangha must have sincere intention and not be seeking to avoid the law or conceal the past. If it is discovered that an ordained person intends to use the Sangha to escape legal responsibility, or if the authorities come to seek them, the Sangha has the right to expel that person.
This reflects a basic principle of Vinaya: the Sangha is a community of those who vow to practice the Dharma, not a place to hide wrongdoing. Sangha discipline is not only formal rules but also an expression of restoration and clarity.
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