The training rule on communal robes

The chapter on offenses entailing confession The subchapter on pleasure houses

Origin story

At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery. At that time the nun Thullanandā did not relinquish the communal robe, but continued using it. Other menstruating nuns did not get to use it.

The nuns of few desires complained and criticized her, “How could Venerable Thullanandā not relinquish the communal robe, but continue using it?” … “Is it true, monks, that the nun Thullanandā did this?”

“It’s true, Sir.”

The Buddha rebuked her … “How could the nun Thullanandā do this? This will affect people’s confidence …” … “And, monks, the nuns should recite this training rule like this:

Final ruling

‘If a nun does not relinquish a communal robe, but continues to use it, 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. A communal robe: it is given specifically for the use of menstruating nuns. Does not relinquish, but continues to use it: if she uses it for two or three days, washes it on the fourth day, and then uses it again without relinquishing it to a nun or a trainee nun or a novice nun, she commits an offense entailing confession.

Permutations

If it has not been relinquished, and she perceives that it has not, and she uses it, she commits an offense entailing confession. If it has not been relinquished, but she is unsure of it, and she uses it, she commits an offense entailing confession. If it has not been relinquished, but she perceives that it has, and she uses it, she commits an offense entailing confession.

If it has been relinquished, but she perceives that it has not, she commits an offense of wrong conduct. If it has been relinquished, but she is unsure of it, she commits an offense of wrong conduct. If it has been relinquished, and she perceives that it has, there is no offense.

Non-offenses

There is no offense: if she relinquishes it and then uses it; if she uses it again at the next turn; if there are no other menstruating nuns; if her robe has been stolen; if her robe has been lost; if there is an emergency; if she is insane; if she is the first offender.

The seventh training rule is finished.