Grammatical Analysis
Garudhamma: [m.] Heavy rule; strict principle; rule of respect. Formed by garu (heavy, serious, respectful) + dhamma (rule, principle, duty).
Orthodox Definition
The Garudhammas are the Eight Heavy Rules that the Buddha stipulated as the absolute prerequisite for the establishment of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha. Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī’s formal acceptance of these eight rules constituted her actual ordination.
These rules permanently define the administrative and social relationship between the monks and nuns. Among the most notable rules:
- A nun even 100 years in robes must pay homage to a monk ordained even that very day.
- A nun must not spend the rains retreat (vassa) in a place where there are no monks.
- Every fortnight, nuns must request two things from the monk’s order: the date of the Uposatha and an exhortation (ovāda).
- A nun’s higher ordination must be verified by both Saṅghas.
- A nun must never revile or abuse a monk.
The Buddha declared that these rules were to be honored, respected, and not transgressed for life, likening them to a strong dam built to contain a great reservoir of water.
Textual References
- Vinaya: Cullavagga (Bhikkhunīkhandhaka) – The historical narrative where the Buddha relays these rules through Venerable Ānanda.
- Sutta: Aṅguttara Nikāya (Aṭṭhaka Nipāta) – The canonical listing of the eight principles.
- Commentary: Samantapāsādikā – Legal interpretations of the boundaries of these rules.