The Eight (8) Grave Bhikkhuni Precepts
1. A
Bhikkhuni who has been admitted into the order (Sangha ), even a
hundred years, must pay homage to, get up for, reverentially salute, and
respectfully greet all Bhikkhus,
even one admitted that same day.
2. A Bhikkhuni must reside within 6 hours (by
foot), traveling distance, from a monastery where Bhikkhus reside (accessible
for advice); and must not spend the Rains Retreat (Vassa) in a
place where there are no Bhikkhus.
3. Every
half-month, a Bhikkhuni should welcome two things from the Sangha of Bhikkhus: 1. the
appointment of the Uposatha day of observance (day of fasting, and
intensive meditation & study)
each half-month, and 2. a visit
for advice (exhortation on practice).
4. A Bhikkhuni must spend Vassa (the rains
retreat) under the orders (instruction) of
both Sanghas (Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis). At the
end of Vassa, a Bhikkhuni must invite criticism from both Sanghas in the following
three instances: that is, whether anything improper (or
questionable) in her conduct (practice) has
been seen, heard or suspected.
5. A Bhikkhuni must live her life according
to the rules of both the orders. ‘And so, when a Bhikkhuni has committed a
grave offence, she must enact the penance before both Sanghas.
6. A novice who seeks admission
must, after two years training, seek to obtain the higher ordination (Upasampatha) from
both Orders (the male & female Sanghas).
7. A
Bhikkhuni may not find fault with, scold (berate) or abuse a Bhikkhu in any manner,
to any
degree at all.
8. From
today onwards, it is not allowed for Bhikkhunis to address discourses to or advise
Bhikkhus, but it is allowed for Bhikkhus to address
discourses to and advise Bhikkhunis.
These
eight precepts are to be honoured, respected, revered and venerated, and they
are not to be transgressed as long as life lasts.
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