Xct Mu Bi Pm Ss 10Ordaining a Criminal
Pāli / Sanskrit:Corīvuṭṭhāpikā
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Exposition of the Discourse on Ordaining a Criminal (Corīvuṭṭhāpikā)
Background
The Corīvuṭṭhāpikā Sutta (Vietnamese: The Discourse on Ordaining a Thief) is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī-Vibhaṅga or Bhikkhu-Vibhaṅga, and concerns ethical matters and standards for entering the lineage in the Theravāda tradition. The background of this discourse relates to Buddhism establishing strict principles concerning the character and background of those who wish to go forth.
In the early days when the Buddha taught, the issue arose of accepting people with impure pasts into the monastic order. Thieves and people who had committed contemptible crimes might bow themselves into ordination in order to evade the law or for other improper purposes. Thus this discourse addresses the question: can one permit a person with a criminal background to go forth, and if so, under what conditions?
Main Content
According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, the Buddha established clear principles for receiving those who wish to go forth. In principle, not everyone can be ordained immediately, especially those with a criminal background or dishonest conduct.
The discourse prescribes that a thief, someone who has committed the offense of stealing from others, may not be ordained straightforwardly without verification and confession. However, this is not an absolute prohibition. The Buddha allowed such people to be ordained under an important condition: they must be verified as no longer active criminals, and they must show genuine determination to practice the Buddha-Dharma.
Specifically, the rule indicates that ordaining a thief can take place only after confirmation by those with authority in the Sangha. This ensures that the Sangha is not polluted by negative elements, while also creating an opportunity for those who truly wish to practice to be accepted.
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