Tipitaka >> Vinaya Pitaka >> Mahavagga >> First Khandaka >> 1.75
Adapted from the Translation by T. W. Rhys Davids and Hermann Oldenberg
<<<< Previous(1.74) | Next(1.76) >>>>
THE MAHAVAGGA
FIRST KHANDHAKA(THE FORMATION OF THE ORDER OF BHIKKHUS)
Chapter-75 : To Allow Ordination From Conception Before Birth.
At that time the venerable Kumarakassapa had received the upasampada ordination when he had completed the twentieth year from his conception (but not from his birth). Now the venerable Kumarakassapa thought: 'The Lord Buddha has forbidden us to confer the upasampada ordination on persons under twenty years of age, and I have completed my twentieth year (only) from my conception. Have I, therefore, received the upasampada ordination, or have I not received it?'
They told this thing to the Lord Buddha.
'When, O Bhikkhus(Monks), in the womb the first thought rises up (in the nascent being), the first consciousness manifests itself, according to this the (true) birth should be reckoned. I allow you, O Bhikkhus(Monks), to confer the upasampada ordination on persons that have completed the twentieth year from their conception (only).'
<<<< Previous(1.74) | Next(1.76) >>>>