TMCGSS-63 (Tanha) Bhikkhuni Sutta [A 4.159, SD 10.14] | Fighting poison with poison. Piya Tan 240628

(Taṇhā) Bhikkhuṇī Sutta
The Discourse to a Nun (on Craving) | A 4.159
Theme: Fighting poison with poison
Translated & annotated by Piya Tan ©2005, 2023
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The (Taṇhā) Bhikkhuṇī Sutta is a short instructive sutta of psychological interest, as it is one of the earliest historical mentions of “sublimation,” that is, an unconscious defence mechanism of channeling our unacceptable impulses (eg lust and conceit) in acceptable ways. As Bodhi notes:
The point of Ānanda’s discourse is that even food, craving and conceit, which are normally factors of bondage, can be skillfully employed to attain arahantship; but with sexuality there is absolutely no skillful way it can be used for the goal of the holy life. (A:ÑB 294 n60)
The Aṅguttara Commentary says that the nun sends for Ānanda because she is in love with him (AA 1:136). Perceiving the nun’s state of mind, Ānanda speaks to her gently on the foulness of the body to free her from her passions. The (Taṇhā) Bhikkhuṇī Sutta contains the expression, “the destruction of the bridge” (setu,ghāta) [§§3, 7], evidently, a metaphor exhorting that a monastic should uproot all sexual desire.
The (Taṇhā) Bhikkhuṇī Sutta should be studied with the story of Vakkali (on homosexuality), and the following suttas:
The Saññoga Sutta (A 7.48), where the Buddha explains how sexual feelings arise.
The Alaggadûpama Sutta (M 22), where Ariṭṭha thinks that it is all right for monastics to indulge in sex since some of the sensual pleasures are permissible to lay-followers, even those who are streamwinners. The Buddha’s reply is very clear:
“Indeed, bhikshus, it is impossible that one can indulge in sensual pleasures without sensual desires, without perception of sensual desire, without thought of sensual desire!” (M 22,9/1:133), SD 3.13
Excepts from (Tanha) Bhikkhuni Sutta
Ānanda admonishes the nun
2.2 Then, the venerable Ānanda approached the nun, and sat down on the prepared seat. Seated thus, the venerable Ānanda said this to the nun:
3 “Sister, this body has come into being through food.
It is dependent on food, food should be abandoned.
Sister, this body has come into being through craving.
It is dependent on craving, craving should be abandoned.
Sister, this body has come into being through conceit.
It is dependent on conceit, conceit should be abandoned.
Sister, this body has come into being through a sexual act;
and regarding the sexual act, the Blessed One
has advised the destruction of that bridge.
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