Bi Pc 8080. Ordaining without permission from family
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ananuññāta
A nun who ordains a trainee nun who has not been given permission by her parents and husband must confess the offense.
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Commentary on the Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 80: Going Forth Without Permission from Family
Background
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 80 is a rule within the Pātimokkha for bhikkhunīs. This background reflects an important reality of monastic life at the time of the Buddha: the going forth was not an entirely independent personal decision, but required careful consideration of family relationships and social responsibilities.
This rule was established when the Buddha recognized that in certain cases, bhikkhunīs were actively recruiting women and ordaining them without seeking permission from their parents or husbands. This gave rise to disputes and conflicts with families, causing harm to the reputation of the Saṅgha as well as to the work of spreading the Dharma.
Main Content
Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 80 stipulates that: if a bhikkhunī gives the going forth to a sāmaṇerī without obtaining permission from that person's parents or husband, that bhikkhunī must confess her offense (Pācittiya — an offense requiring acknowledgment).
The term "Ananuññāta" (unpermitted, without consent) refers to the situation in which the woman wishing to go forth has not yet received the agreement of those who hold guardianship over her or bear legal responsibility for her. In the social context of ancient India, parents or husband were those who held authority over significant decisions concerning a woman.
The offense in this case is not one to be disregarded, but must be acknowledged and corrected. The bhikkhunī must perform the act of confession (desanā) before the assembly of the Saṅgha, expressing remorse and making a commitment not to repeat the transgression. This approach reflects a fundamental principle of the Vinaya Piṭaka: education rather than punishment, and the preservation of harmony within the monastic community.
Practical Significance
This rule contains a profound lesson about the balance between individual practice and social responsibility.
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