Xct Mu Bi Ss 10Ordaining a Criminal
Pāli / Sanskrit:Corīvuṭṭhāpikā
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Explanation of the Corīvuṭṭhāpikā Discourse (Ordaining a Criminal)
Background
This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, which records the rules governing the community of monks and nuns. The work is transmitted as a warning concerning an important issue connected with the selection of those who go forth, one of the fundamental responsibilities of the Sangha.
The content of the discourse reflects situations that arose during the Buddha's lifetime, when he was living and guiding the community of practitioners. Regulations on ordination were built upon lessons drawn from specific cases, in order to protect the purity and reputation of the Sangha.
Main Content
Corīvuṭṭhāpikā concerns the ordination of persons with a criminal past, especially those connected with theft or harmful actions. The discourse emphasizes that not everyone is suitable to go forth, and that the monastic community must conduct careful screening before accepting a person into the Sangha.
According to the rule laid down, those with a clear criminal past must undergo a process of verification. They must demonstrate that their motive for ordination is sincere and the result of genuine remorse, not an attempt to evade the law or the consequences of their previous actions.
The discourse warns that the Sangha cannot ignore the details of the past of one who seeks to go forth. Accepting a person with a criminal past without careful verification may harm the legal independence and reputation of the community. Therefore, the elders must follow the strict procedure prescribed by the Buddha.
Practical Meaning
The Corīvuṭṭhāpikā discourse is highly practical in its governance, yet it also reflects profound ethical principles. It teaches that the Sangha is not only a religious community but also an institution responsible for protecting its purity before the public and before itself.
For modern practitioners, this discourse suggests that going forth is a decision that requires true sincerity and determination.
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