Xct Mu Bu Vb Pc 22Instructing Nuns After Sunset

The Discourse on Instructing Nuns After Sunset (Atthaṅgata)

Background

The Atthaṅgata is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically within the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga (the Discipline for Nuns). This section, Pātimokkha Code 22, concerns one of the fundamental rules of the community of nuns established by the Blessed One, Śākyamuni Buddha. The text is arranged according to the classical expository style of the Vinaya Piṭaka, beginning with a historical event, the reason for the promulgation of the rule, and then the particulars of its transgression.

The context from which this rule arose is the Buddha's recognition of the potential dangers in nuns receiving instruction from monks after the time of sunset (atthaṅgatā sūriyā, the sun having set). Within the social context of India during the early period of Buddhism, private contact between male and female renunciants, particularly in the evening hours, could give rise to misunderstanding or the risk of harm, thereby affecting the reputation of the practicing community as well as the mental composure and mindfulness of the nuns themselves.

Main Content

The Atthaṅgata rule stipulates that a nun is not permitted to receive instruction (ovāda) from a monk during the period after sunset, except in cases of special allowance. The instruction referred to here is not limited to public Dhamma discourses delivered before a large assembly, but encompasses private guidance, counsel, or explanation of the Dhamma occurring in a relatively secluded setting.

The Vinaya Piṭaka elaborates on the degrees of transgression: if a nun actively receives instruction from a monk after sunset without legitimate reason, this is regarded as an offense against the discipline (pācullassa āpatti).