Bu Pc 2323. Instructing nuns in a nunnery
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhikkhunupassaya
A monk who teaches the nuns at their dwelling place must confess the offense.
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Instructing Nuns at Their Residence
Background
This rule is recorded in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha (the fundamental code of rules for nuns) belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition. In the early history of Buddhism, the Buddha established the order of monks and nuns, giving rise to the community of bhikkhunīs in training. In order to maintain the discipline and purity of the Saṅgha, the patriarchs compiled a detailed system of Pātimokkha rules, with specific provisions governing the relationship between bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The rule of Bhikkhunupassaya—that is, instructing bhikkhunīs at their own residence—reflects the concern of the monastic community for maintaining purity and avoiding occasions for distraction in practice.
Main Content
This rule stipulates that if a bhikkhu goes to instruct bhikkhunīs at their own residence (bhikkhunupassaya), he must confess this offense. This is not merely an act of simple discipline, but rather an acknowledgment that a bhikkhu's entering the private space of bhikkhunīs—even with a wholly pure intention, namely to teach the Dhamma—may give rise to judgment or create conditions for improper circumstances.
In the Theravāda context, "instructing" (anusasati) carries the meaning of transmitting the Dhamma, guiding practice, or giving instruction. Nevertheless, the Vinaya Piṭaka places great emphasis on care in interactions between men and women, for what takes place even in broad daylight, if not witnessed by others, may be subject to misunderstanding. This is why this rule pays particular attention to the location "at the residence"—the most private space belonging to the bhikkhunīs.
The act of "confessing" (āpatti) in this context does not necessarily mean that the bhikkhu has committed a grave moral offense, but rather constitutes a formal means of maintaining the purity of the Saṅgha. By confessing, he publicly declares that he has transgressed the boundary that has been set forth, thereby preserving the good standing of the community.
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