Theravāda Vinayapiṭaka

Nuns’ rules and their analysis

Nuns’ Expiation (Pācittiya) 80

… at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove in Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Now at that time the nun Thullanandā ordained a probationer without the consent of the parents and husband. The parents and the husband … spread it about, saying : “How can the lady Thullanandā ordain the probationer without our consent?” Nuns heard the parents and the husband who … spread it about. Those who were modest nuns … spread it about, saying : “How can the lady Thullanandā ordain a probationer without the consent of the parents and husband?” …

“Is it true, as is said, monks, that the nun Thullanandā ordained … and husband?” “It is true, lord.”

The enlightened one, the lord, rebuked them, saying: “How, monks, can the nun Thullanandā ordain a probationer … and husband? It is not, monks, for pleasing those who are not (yet) pleased … this rule of training:

Whatever nun should ordain a probationer without the consent of the parents and husband, there is an offence of expiation.”


Whatever means: … nun is to be understood in this case.

Parents means: they are called the progenitors.

Husband means: he to whom she is married.

Without the consent means: not asking (for permission).

Probationer means: one who has trained for two years in the six rules.

Should ordain means: see Bi-Pc.61.2 … and an offence of wrong-doing for the group and for the woman teacher.


There is no offence if she ordains her not knowing; if she ordains her, (she) having obtained permission; if she is mad, if she is the first wrong-doer.