Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 28Intruding on a Couple Enjoying Themselves

Sabhojana Sutra - Commentary on the Rule Concerning Intrusion

Background

The Sabhojana Sutra, meaning “eating together” or “sharing a meal,” is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha of the bhikkhus. This is one of the training rules intended to regulate the conduct of renunciants, especially in relation to social interaction in the life of the Sangha.

According to the Theravāda tradition, these Vinaya rules were taught by the Buddha Śākyamuni in order to protect the purity of the precepts, preserve the honor of the Sangha, and build the faith of the community of devotees. The Sabhojana Sutra specifically deals with sensitive situations involving improper intrusion into the private lives of married couples.

Main Content

The Sabhojana rule prescribes that a bhikkhu should not try to intrude upon or obstruct the private life of married couples who are enjoying themselves in private or intimate circumstances. Specifically, if a bhikkhu clearly knows that a married couple is together under circumstances in which they wish for private space, he must not deliberately enter, interrupt, or cause discomfort to them.

This rule includes acts such as standing and eavesdropping, knocking on the door to request a meeting when he knows they are in private, or any form of interference in the personal life of laypeople. The purpose of the rule is to educate bhikkhus in respect, honesty (saccavāda), and wisdom in choosing the time and manner of social communication.

If a bhikkhu violates this, the act is considered a significant offense (āpatti), depending on the degree, possibly Pācittiya, an offense due to craving or carelessness, or Dukkaṭa, a light offense. What is important is that the bhikkhu openly confess the fault before the Sangha, showing sincere remorse.