Bi Pc 7373. Ordaining a trained unmarried woman without approval
Pāli / Sanskrit:Paripuṇṇavīsativassa-sikkhita-kumāribhūta-asammata
A nun who ordains an unmarried girl without the approval of the Order must confess the offense.
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Commentary on Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 73: Ordaining an Untrained Unmarried Woman Without the Sangha's Permission
Background
This text is recorded in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha (the Code of Discipline for bhikkhunīs), belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon. It reflects one of the fundamental disciplinary rules established to protect the integrity and proper guidance of female disciples at the time of upasampada (ordination as a fully ordained bhikkhunī).
In the course of establishing the bhikkhunī Sangha, the Buddha and the Sangha laid down numerous specific rules. This rule concerns the reception of women who have never previously gone forth into homelessness (kumāribhūta), particularly those who have undergone some prior "training" or "study" (sikkhita) before entering the Sangha. The crucial point is that of being "without the Sangha's approval" (asammata) — meaning that such an action lacks the formal consent or resolution of the Sangha as a whole.
The historical context makes clear that ordination is not a decision to be made by an individual bhikkhunī or a small group acting alone, but must have the agreement of the Sangha, so as to ensure fairness and the long-term support of the one who has just gone forth.
Main Content
This rule stipulates that if a bhikkhunī — typically a preceptor — on her own initiative confers ordination upon a young woman who has no experience of the monastic life, without first seeking the Sangha's permission, that action is considered an offense requiring confession and expiation (Pācittiya — a class of offense in the bhikkhunī code, lighter than Saṅghādisesa but nonetheless significant).
The term "Paripuṇṇavīsativassa" (one who has completed twenty years or more) specifies that the ordaining bhikkhunī must be one of sufficient spiritual standing to exercise such authority. However, even when the bhikkhunī in question meets the requisite qualifications, if the Sangha's approval has not been obtained, the action nonetheless constitutes an offense.
A violation of this rule does not invalidate the ordination of the woman who has been received, but the offending bhikkhunī must confess her fault before the Sangha and carry out the prescribed expiation.
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