Bi Pc 7777. Not ordaining a trainee after promising

Commentary on Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 77: Promising Ordination and Not Fulfilling It

Background

This rule is recorded in the Pātimokkha of the Bhikkhunī Vinaya, a sacred portion of the Vinaya Piṭaka within the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Pātimokkha is the most fundamental code of discipline that bhikkhunīs (fully ordained nuns) must observe. This rule, Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 77, belongs to the category of Pācittiya offenses, that is, transgressions requiring public confession before the Saṅgha.

In the historical context of early Buddhism, the act of ordaining a person was a solemn occasion. Bhikkhunīs were encouraged to accept the role of guiding female trainees (sikkhamānās) along the path of practice. This rule, however, was established to prevent the abuse of trust and irresponsibility within the teacher-disciple relationship.

Principal Content

Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 77 addresses a specific case: when a bhikkhunī promises to ordain a female trainee—particularly in a situation involving the exchange of material goods such as a robe (cīvara)—but subsequently fails to fulfill that promise. This is not a Pārājika offense (that is, the gravest category of offense resulting in expulsion from the Saṅgha), but rather a Pācittiya—a transgression requiring public confession.

The essence of the offense lies in dishonesty and failure of responsibility. The bhikkhunī has created an expectation, possibly out of a desire to receive material benefits such as the robe offered, yet she neglects or makes no effort to fulfill her spiritual commitment. This violates the fundamental Buddhist principles of truthfulness (sacca) and clear comprehension (sampajañña).

This rule also reflects the Saṅgha's concern for protecting female trainees from unreliable guides. Female trainees are in a position of vulnerability, requiring genuine care and commitment from their preceptors.