Overview
When Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī requested the establishment of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha (the order of nuns), the Buddha only agreed upon the condition that she accept eight strict “principles of respect” or “heavy rules” (Garudhamma). These rules established the structural and administrative relationship between the monks and the nuns.
The List
- A nun, even if ordained for a hundred years, must respectfully greet, rise for, and salute a monk ordained even that very day.
- A nun must not spend the rains retreat (vassa) in a place where there are no monks available to advise her.
- Every half-month, a nun must expect two things from the Order of Monks: the setting of the Uposatha date and a monk assigned to deliver the exhortation (ovāda).
- After the rains retreat, a nun must invite criticism (pavāraṇā) from both the Order of Nuns and the Order of Monks.
- A nun who commits a severe offense must undergo penance (mānatta) before both Orders for a fortnight.
- A female novice must train in six rules for two years, after which she must seek higher ordination (upasampadā) from both Orders.
- A nun must not abuse or revile a monk in any way.
- From this day forth, a nun is forbidden to formally admonish a monk, but a monk is not forbidden to formally admonish a nun.
Textual References
- Canonical: Cullavagga (Vinaya 10.1) – The origin story of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha, detailing Mahāpajāpatī’s acceptance of these rules.