Serving householders (PLI-TV-BI-VB-PC44)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Nuns’ Analysis

The chapter on offenses entailing confession

The subchapter on galleries

Serving householders

Origin story

At one time when the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery,

the nuns were providing services for householders.

The nuns of few desires complained and criticized them,

“How can nuns provide services for householders?” …

“Is it true, monks, that 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 provides services for a householder, 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.

Services for a householder:

if she cooks congee, a meal, or fresh food for a householder, or she washes a wrap garment or a turban for them, she commits an offense entailing confession.

Non-offenses

There is no offense:

if it is a congee drink;

if it is a meal for the Sangha;

if it is to venerate a shrine;

if she cooks congee, a meal, or fresh food for her own service provider, or she washes a wrap garment or a turban for them;

if she is insane;

if she is the first offender.

The fourth training rule is finished.