Bu Ss 44. Encouraging a woman to satisfy one’s desires

Attakāmpāricariya: Advice on Desire and the Penalty of Suspension

Background

This rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the section pertaining to the Bhikkhuṇī Saṃyutta (matters relating to the bhikkhunīs), and reflects an actual situation that arose within the Saṅgha during the early period. The regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka were not established in abstract theory, but arose from specific events, the transgressions of monastics, and the guidance of the Buddha.

Attakāmpāricariya means "seeking the satisfaction of one's own desires." This text addresses a serious case involving the violation of celibacy (Brahmacarya) by a bhikkhu — not only on account of the transgressive act itself, but because he actively solicited a woman to participate in sexual conduct. This is a particularly grave violation because it encompasses an ethical dimension: inciting another person to transgress a precept.

Principal Content

According to the regulations in the Vinaya, a bhikkhu who harbors sensual desire (kāma-rāga) and actively entreats a woman, saying "please satisfy my desires" or "please engage in intercourse with me," is subject to the penalty of Parivāsa (suspension, ordinarily three months in such a case). The penalty of Parivāsa does not constitute removal from the Saṅgha, but rather a strict probationary period with certain restrictions imposed upon the offender.

An important point to note is that the Vinaya Piṭaka clearly distinguishes between degrees of transgression. An act of "seeking satisfaction for oneself" that the Buddha did not absolutely prohibit (when no involvement from another party is present) incurs a lighter penalty. However, advising or soliciting another person to participate is an altogether different matter — it indicates a lack of self-restraint, the "drawing of another" onto a wrong path, and the potential for harm to the community of practice.