Shìchāmónánī jièběn 式叉摩那尼戒本
The Śikṣamāṇā Prātimokṣa (rules for probationer-nuns) by 弘贊 (Hóngzàn, 輯)
About the work
A one-fascicle compendium of the rules for śikṣamāṇā 式叉摩那尼 (probationer nuns — bhikṣuṇī-aspirants undergoing a two-year preparatory training before full ordination), compiled by the Míng-dynasty Vinaya specialist Hóngzàn 弘贊 (弘贊, 1611–1685). 式叉摩那 transliterates Skt. śikṣamāṇā “she who is being trained”. The text supplies the practical rule-set for the intermediate stage between śrāmaṇerī (novice nun) and full bhikṣuṇī.
Prefaces
Author’s preface: 明弘贊輯.
Abstract
The Shìchāmónánī jièběn is the principal Chinese reference for the probationary nun stage in Dharmaguptaka practice. The śikṣamāṇā status is unique to the bhikṣuṇī-track in the Vinaya: female aspirants must spend two years as probationers, observing the six fundamental precepts (六法 liù-fǎ) before they may be ordained as bhikṣuṇīs. The rules are extracted from the parent Sìfēn lǜ and supplemented by Hóngzàn’s commentary on traditional Vinaya practice. The text was important for the Míng-period revival of the Chinese bhikṣuṇī-saṅgha.
Translations and research
- Heirman, Ann. Rules for Nuns according to the Dharmaguptakavinaya. Delhi, 2002. — Discusses the śikṣamāṇā status.
- Tsai, Kathryn Ann. Lives of the Nuns. Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 1994.