Degradation Offenses

Four Degradation Offenses (Parajika)

THE FIRST PRECEPT:

A bhikshu who has sexual intercourse with another

person, whether female or male, and whether that

person has given consent or not, breaks the first of the

Four Degradation Offenses, is no longer worthy to

remain a bhikshu, and cannot participate in the activities

of the Bhikshu Sangha.

THE SECOND PRECEPT:

A bhikshu who steals or violates the property of

another, whether that property is privately or publicly

owned, and if the value of the property is significant

enough that he could be taken to court, breaks the

second of the Four Degradation Offenses, is no longer

worthy to remain a bhikshu, and cannot participate in

the activities of the Bhikshu Sangha.

THE THIRD PRECEPT:

A bhikshu who takes the life of another person by deed,

word, or intention, breaks the third of the Four

Degradation Offenses, is no longer worthy to remain a

bhikshu, and cannot participate in the activities of the

Bhikshu Sangha.

THE FOURTH PRECEPT:

A bhikshu who claims that he has attained realizations

on the spiritual path, which he has not in fact realized,

breaks the fourth of the Four Degradation Offenses, is

no longer worthy to remain a bhikshu, and cannot

participate in the activities of the Bhikshu Sangha.

From Freedom Wherever We Go by Thich Nhat Hanh