Bi Ss 55. Receiving food with lust
Pāli / Sanskrit:Avassutā avassutassa
A lustful nun who receives food from a lustful man is to be suspended.
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VINAYA: BHIKKHUNĪ SUSPENSION DUE TO LUSTFUL RECEPTION
Pāli Title: Avassutā Avassutassa
Background
This text is recorded in the Bhikkhunī-vibhaṅga (the general vinaya section for bhikkhunīs — female monastics) of the Vinaya Piṭaka. The context giving rise to this rule emerged from incidents of ethical transgression occurring within the early Buddhist monastic community. When the Buddha established the precepts for female renunciants, he recognized the need to protect their mental and physical purity, particularly in interactions with men.
This rule is not a form of discrimination but a protective measure for the practicing community. In ancient Indian society, interactions between men and women had to be regulated in order to prevent misunderstandings and actions that could break one's precepts. A female monastic receiving food from a man with a motivation of sensual desire (avassuta — lacking clear awareness, lacking mindfulness regarding the harmful nature of sensual desire) was regarded as a sign of diminished vigilance and latent moral danger.
Main Content
The rule "Avassutā Avassutassa" stipulates that: if a bhikkhunī who is of lustful mind receives food from a man who is likewise of lustful mind, that bhikkhunī shall be subject to the penalty of suspension (suspension from participation in community activities and formal assemblies).
"Avassuta" (ā-vassuta) carries a profound meaning: it does not refer to coarse sensual desire, but rather to a lack of mindfulness (avassuta = not immersed in deep reflection) — a state of mind that is not clear about the nature of sensual desire or craving. It is a condition of heedlessness or carelessness toward the latent danger present in one's actions.
The penalty of suspension is not permanent expulsion. It is a temporary disciplinary measure, allowing the offender to reflect upon the fault, correct their behavior, and be reinstated into the community. This penalty is applied in order to protect the honor of the Saṅgha and to maintain the moral purity of the Sangha (the community of monastics).
Practical Significance
This vinaya text teaches practitioners a profound lesson on the importance of continuous mindfulness and vigilance.
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