Bi Pc 157157. Criticizing a legitimate legal procedure
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kammapaṭibāhana
A nun who has given her consent for the Order to perform an official act, but then criticizes the act must confess the offense.
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Scripture on Criticizing a Legitimate Legal Procedure
Background
This rule is recorded in the Pātimokkha for bhikkhunis, specifically in the Pācittiya section—offenses requiring confession. The Buddha established this rule in order to maintain harmony within the Sangha and to prevent actions that cause division.
The context arises from specific circumstances: a bhikkhuni had participated in the deliberation and voting on a formal act of the Sangha (kamma—an act or official business of the Sangha), had consented to that decision, but afterward publicly criticized or condemned the act. This creates inconsistency, undermines the Sangha's authority to make decisions, and causes disruption to collective discipline.
According to the Theravāda tradition, the purpose of the Vinaya Piṭaka is not only to prohibit unwholesome conduct but also to educate disciples to understand the importance of unity, accountability, and integrity within the monastic community.
Main Content
The rule of Kammapaṭibāhana (criticizing a legitimate legal procedure) is set forth as follows: when the Sangha of bhikkhunis performs a formal act—such as conferring ordination, suspending a disciple, or establishing rules of training—and a member has participated in that process (including having voted or consented), that person may not afterward criticize or condemn the act. If such a bhikkhuni speaks in censure—"This procedure is improper," "This decision is wrong," or words to similar effect—she incurs a Pācittiya offense.
This offense is distinguished from more serious violations in that it demonstrates an internal inconsistency on the part of the offender—not direct opposition or refusal, but an incoherence between her present conduct and her earlier commitment.
A Sangha procedure must be carried out properly: with announcement, deliberation, and the consent of the majority of members. Once an act has been completed in accordance with this rule, all members present share collective responsibility for that decision.
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