Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 29Sitting in a Concealed Place

Rahopaṭicchanna Sutra: Sitting in a Concealed Place

Background

The Rahopaṭicchanna Sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the code of precepts for bhikkhunīs. This sutra records a very specific rule concerning the conduct of nuns when sitting in concealed places. It is part of the detailed regulations intended to protect concentration, purity, and the honor of the community of monks and nuns in Buddhism.

The background for the arising of these rules is usually connected to specific cases occurring in the community of practice during the time of the Buddha Śākyamuni. When situations appeared that disturbed concentration or caused suspicion concerning the nature of practice, the Buddha or the elders would establish clear rules. This rule belongs to the category of Pācittiya, offenses requiring confession, showing that its seriousness is moderate but not extremely grave.

Main Content

The Rahopaṭicchanna Sutra regulates that a bhikkhunī must not sit alone in a concealed or covered place together with a man (puggala). The term “rahopaṭicchanna” means “in a concealed place, a place that is screened.” These are not public places, but private places where the presence of the individuals is difficult for others to detect.

This rule applies to specific situations: if a bhikkhunī sits in a concealed place with a man and this occurs without witnesses, it is a violation. The purpose is not to restrict legitimate communication, but to avoid situations that could give rise to suspicion or actually lead to improper conduct. This rule reflects the principle, “where there is lack of clarity, one should not go,” avoiding circumstances that provide opportunity for unwholesome states of mind to develop.