Bi Pc 7878. Not ordaining a trainee who has followed one
Pāli / Sanskrit:Anubandha-sikkhamānana-vuṭṭhāpana
A nun who promises to ordain a trainee nun in return for being attended on for two years but then makes no effort to get her ordained must confess the offense.
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Bhikkhuṇī Pācittiya 78: Not Ordaining a Trainee Who Has Followed One
Background
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the regulations governing the monastic life of monks and nuns concern not only individual conduct, but also bear deeply upon the teacher-student relationship and the responsibility for education within the monastic community. Bhikkhuṇī Pācittiya 78 (rule 78 of the Bhikkhuṇī Pātimokkha) belongs to the category of minor offenses requiring confession (Pācittiya — offenses calling for temporary expiation).
The circumstances giving rise to this rule concern a practice found in religious education during the time of the Buddha: a bhikkhuṇī promises to ordain a female trainee (sikkhamānā) as a fully ordained nun (bhikkhuṇī) on the condition that the trainee serves her for two years. However, after receiving that service, the bhikkhuṇī makes no effort whatsoever to bring the trainee to the ordination ceremony (bhikkhuṇī ordination) — the formal act of full admission.
Principal Content
This rule underscores a fundamental ethical principle: one must not exploit the trust and labor of another through false promises. When a bhikkhuṇī promises to ordain a trainee in exchange for two years of service, that constitutes a spiritual agreement — a commitment that is not merely formal in nature but is also profoundly ethical.
Failing to fulfill this promise is a form of betrayal of trust. The trainee has devoted her time, effort, and disciplined obedience in the expectation of being received into the formal community of nuns. If a bhikkhuṇī exploits this without genuine intention or effort to carry out the ordination, she violates honesty and compassion — the two foundations of the Dhamma.
This offense is classified as Pācittiya, meaning the bhikkhuṇī must confess her wrongdoing before the other nuns of the community. Although it is not among the most serious offenses, it leaves consequences in the mind: if not confessed and expiated, the mind becomes tainted by dishonesty and the abuse of authority.
Practical Significance
This rule offers important lessons for anyone who has made promises or taken on responsibility toward others.
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