Bi As 66. Further Penalty

The Tassapāpiyasikā: On the Act of Further Censure

Background

The Tassapāpiyasikā belongs to the Bhikkhunī Āpatti (Offenses of the Bhikkhunis) within the Vinaya of the Theravāda tradition, forming part of the Vinaya Piṭaka — the body of teaching on discipline in Early Buddhism. The Vinaya was compiled to guide monks and nuns in living according to right conduct, protecting the Sangha, and preserving the spirit of Buddhist practice.

Bhikkhunis in Early Buddhism are bound by very strict rules of discipline. When a bhikkhuni transgresses the regulations, the Sangha has the authority to apply punitive measures for the purpose of educating, correcting, and guiding her back to the proper path of practice. This text addresses a particular case: when a bhikkhuni shows no remorse and refuses to accept criticism regarding her offenses.

Main Content

The Tassapāpiyasikā (rendered roughly as "On the Act of Further Censure") stipulates that when a bhikkhuni commits an offense but maintains a rigid attitude — refusing to acknowledge the offense, showing no remorse, and unwilling to make amends — the Sangha may carry out a formal kamma (official act) of additional censure, going beyond ordinary penalties.

This act is not an immediate expulsion, but rather an intermediate measure with the following purposes:

First, to prevent the spread of improper conduct within the monastic community. If a member is permitted to transgress openly without consequence, it undermines the discipline of the entire Sangha.

Second, to compel the bhikkhuni to face the consequences of her actions and offenses. Silence or denial is not accepted — she must publicly acknowledge and make amends.

Third, to provide an opportunity for inner reformation.