四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 3.44

3.44

"If a bhikṣu, not deputed by the saṅgha, instructs bhikṣuṇīs, it is a prāyaścittika." / This full precept text has four clauses: first, the person who commits the offense; second, not being deputed by the saṅgha; third, presumptuously going to instruct; fourth, penalizing the offense of preaching the Dharma without being deputed by the saṅgha. The word "bhikṣu" has the meaning as above. First, "not deputed by the saṅgha": the Vinaya states that one is not deputed by a jñaptidvitīyā-karmavācanā in the saṅgha. One must possess ten virtues for the deputation to be valid; a minimum means at least five, as stated in the "Sets of Five." Third, "presumptuously going to instruct": the Vinaya states, "expounding the eight unviolable dharmas," as explained at length in the Vinaya. Fourth, "it is a prāyaścittika" is the penalty for preaching the Dharma without being deputed by the saṅgha. If one preaches other dharmas, one incurs a prāyaścittika offense; if one preaches the eight gurudharmas, because nuns hear them constantly, one incurs only a duṣkṛta offense. The Vinaya states: "If, at the time of reciting the precepts, after the senior monk has conducted the question and answer, the saṅgha deputes him, or in accordance with the nuns' request, that bhikṣu arrives at the appointed time, the nuns must also welcome him at the appointed time. If either violates this, both commit a duṣkṛta. If they hear that he is coming, they should go out half a yojana to welcome him and provide what he needs; if not, it is a duṣkṛta. If not deputed by the saṅgha, or on a day that is not an instruction day, expounding the eight gurudharmas to them; or if not deputed, preaching the Dharma to them—it is a fall. If the saṅgha is ill, disharmonious, or the assembly is not full, they should send someone to pay homage and inquire after them. If the assembly of nuns is ill, etc., they should also send someone to pay homage and inquire; if not, it is a duṣkṛta." The Vinaya states: "'Not on the proper day' means one should not go during the preceding three and subsequent two days. The preceding three days are the three days following the recitation of the precepts; the subsequent two days are the two days before the next recitation of the precepts. Even if deputed by the saṅgha, one should not go during these five days. This refers to going to the nunnery to admonish." Regarding non-offenses: "If deputed by the saṅgha; if going at the proper time; or if, due to water or land routes being cut off or various dangerous conditions, the nuns do not welcome him, pay homage, or inquire—none of these is an offense."