Bi Pc 2020. Crying and beating oneself
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rodana
A nun who cries and beats herself must confess the offense.
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THE RODANA SUTTA — ON CRYING AND BEATING ONESELF
Background
The Eighty Offenses of the Bhikkhunī (Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha) records the training rules that bhikkhunīs must observe. The Rodana is one of the precepts belonging to the Pācittiya category — offenses requiring confession — established specifically for the community of female monastics. The origin of this rule arose from particular situations in which female monastics failed to control their emotions during the course of their training, thereby affecting both their own mental purity and that of the community.
Within the context of the Buddha's teaching, crying and beating oneself are regarded as manifestations of psychological instability and a lack of composure. These are not legitimate methods of practice; on the contrary, they constitute self-harm that obstructs concentration (samādhi) and wisdom (paññā) — two essential factors for any monastics aspiring toward liberation.
Main Content
According to this Pācittiya precept, if a bhikkhunī cries or beats herself — whether out of temperament or anger — she commits a minor offense (pācittiya) and must confess it before the community or before a qualified female monastic.
The rule does not absolutely forbid natural emotional responses, but it cautions against the deliberate exploitation of crying or self-inflicted pain as a means of expressing emotion or attracting attention. Such conduct reflects a weakness of mind that one engaged in training ought to overcome, not indulge.
Beating oneself is especially condemned because it contradicts the Noble Path of non-harm (ahiṃsā). Whether harm is inflicted outwardly or inwardly upon oneself, it remains an act that violates the purity of the body — the very dwelling place of Buddhist practice. Furthermore, such actions can cause harm to the reputation of the Sangha in the eyes of the world.
Practical Significance
The Rodana Sutta teaches us about the importance of steadfastness and a courageous disposition in the course of training. This is not rigidity, but rather the calm and mindful awareness with which one meets difficult emotions.
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