Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Nuns’ Analysis

The chapter on offenses entailing confession

The subchapter on unmarried girls

The training rule on one year

Origin story

At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery.

At that time the nuns were giving the full admission to two women per year,

and the nuns’ dwelling place still did not have sufficient capacity.

People complained and criticized them,

“How can the nuns give the full admission to two women per year,

when the nuns’ dwelling place still doesn’t have sufficient capacity?”

The nuns heard the complaints of those people.

The nuns of few desires complained and criticized them,

“How can nuns give the full admission to two women per year?” …

“Is it true, monks, that the nuns do this?”

“It’s true, Sir.”

The Buddha rebuked them …

“How can nuns do this?

This will affect people’s confidence …” …

“And, monks, the nuns should recite this training rule like this:

Final ruling

‘If a nun gives the full admission to two women in one year, she commits an offense entailing confession.’”

Definitions

A:

whoever …

Nun:

… The nun who has been given the full ordination in unanimity by both Sanghas through a legal procedure consisting of one motion and three announcements that is irreversible and fit to stand—this sort of nun is meant in this case.

In one year:

in one twelve-month period.

Gives the full admission to two women:

gives the full ordination to two women.

If, intending to give the full admission to two women, she searches for a group, a teacher, a bowl, or a robe, or she establishes a monastery zone, she commits an offense of wrong conduct.

After the motion, she commits an offense of wrong conduct.

After each of the first two announcements, she commits an offense of wrong conduct.

When the last announcement is finished, the preceptor commits an offense entailing confession,

and the group and the teacher commit an offense of wrong conduct.

Non-offenses

There is no offense:

if she gives the full admission to one woman every other year;

if she is insane;

if she is the first offender.

The thirteenth training rule is finished.

The eighth subchapter on unmarried girls is finished.