Bi Pc 1515. Departing without taking leave
Pāli / Sanskrit:Anāpucchāpakkamana
A nun who leaves a house without informing the owners must confess the offense.
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Commentary on Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 15: Departing from a Householder's Dwelling without Permission
Background
This rule is found in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, a significant part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition. The rule concerns the conduct of bhikkhunīs in their daily movements, particularly the act of leaving a householder's dwelling without giving notice or seeking permission.
In ancient Indian society, bhikkhunīs depended on the generosity and hospitality of householders. When a bhikkhunī resided temporarily at a householder's home, whether for a short or extended period, basic courtesy required that she give notice or seek permission before departing. The act of leaving without informing the householder was not merely a breach of etiquette; it also caused inconvenience and worry, as the householder would have no way of knowing whether the bhikkhunī had departed safely. The word anāpucchā means "without asking, without seeking permission," while pakkamana means "departure, going away."
Main Content
According to this rule, if a bhikkhunī leaves a householder's dwelling without giving notice, without seeking permission, and without a valid reason, such conduct constitutes a Pācittiya offence — a minor offence requiring confession and expiation.
The conditions for the offence to be incurred are that the bhikkhunī must: (1) clearly know that this is a householder's dwelling, (2) have been staying there, (3) intentionally depart without informing the householder or those responsible for the household, and (4) have done so without an urgent or legitimate reason. If the bhikkhunī departs because of a pressing matter, or has already informed a responsible person of her departure, no offence is incurred.
This rule reflects a profound ethical principle: respect and gratitude. A householder who receives a bhikkhunī acts out of compassion and generosity; accordingly, the bhikkhunī bears a responsibility to honour that person by clearly communicating her movements.
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