Bi Pc 7575. Giving ordination without approval
Pāli / Sanskrit:Paripuṇṇadvādasavassa-asammata
A nun who gives ordination without the approval of the Order must confess the offense.
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Explanation of the Vinaya Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 75: Conferring Ordination Without Approval
Background
This rule appears in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha (Bi Pc) — the code of discipline for bhikkhunīs in the Theravāda tradition. It is one of the core regulations of the Bhikkhunī Piṭaka, reflecting the balance between the individual freedom of action of the bhikkhunīs and the collective governance of the Sangha.
In early Buddhism, the conferring of full ordination (upasampadā) was not a solitary act of a single individual, but had to be carried out under the witness and approval of the entire Sangha. This regulation arose from instances in which senior bhikkhunīs, out of compassion or for other reasons, independently conferred ordination upon those wishing to go forth without requesting or notifying the Sangha. This gave rise to inconsistency in the administration of the monastic community and undermined the collective authority of the Sangha.
Main Content
This regulation stipulates that: any bhikkhunī who confers full ordination (upasampadā) upon a person wishing to go forth without the approval (asammata) of the Sangha, or without following the proper formal procedures, commits a Pācittiya offense (Bi Pc).
In the context of the Pāli Vinaya, the term Paripuṇṇadvādasavassa indicates that this regulation concerns bhikkhunīs who have had at least twelve years of training (dvādasavassa), persons with sufficient experience to understand the proper procedures clearly. They cannot plead ignorance as a justification for such action.
The regulation does not require that the offense be committed with deliberate intention (cetanā), but is based on the actual act itself. When a bhikkhunī confers ordination without the witness of the Sangha, that act is itself a transgression, regardless of whether the person acted with good intentions. It should be noted that this is a Pācittiya offense (requiring confession), not a Pārājika offense (entailing expulsion); therefore the bhikkhunī need only confess her fault before the Sangha in order to be absolved.
Practical Significance
Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 75 reflects the principle of democratic governance within the Sangha in Buddhism.
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