Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 43Intruding on a Couple Enjoying Themselves
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sabhojana
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The Sabhojana Sutta — The Rule Concerning Intruding Between a Man and a Woman
Background
The Sabhojana Sutta (also known as the Rule Concerning Intruding Between a Couple Enjoying Themselves) is found within the Pātimokkha section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya division — the pācittiya offenses for bhikkhunīs. This rule is recorded in the context of governing the conduct of female monastics living together within the Saṅgha.
According to the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka was established on the basis of specific situations that arose during the time of the Buddha. Each rule originates from an actual event, through which the Buddha instructed his disciples in the ethics of practice. The Sabhojana rule reflects the Buddha's concern for purity of conduct, mutual respect, and the avoidance of actions that might create impropriety or misunderstanding within the community.
The deeper context is the clear distinction between the various stages of practice: from life as a householder to the going-forth into homelessness. One who trains must not only avoid what is unwholesome, but must also avoid ambiguous actions that might give rise to suspicion regarding one's intentions.
Principal Content
This rule addresses the prohibition against a bhikkhunī intruding between a man and a woman who are enjoying themselves or sharing a meal together (sabhojana). The word sabhojana literally means "eating together" or "enjoying together," referring to situations of intimacy between two persons.
The fundamental principle here is respect for the privacy of others and the avoidance of situations that might give rise to misunderstanding. If a bhikkhunī were to intrude between a married couple or persons enjoying time together — even if the intention were unintentional — such an action is nonetheless considered a Pācittiya offense.
The deeper reason underlying this rule relates to sīla (moral purity) — one of the most important foundations of Buddhist practice. The act of intruding may be understood as a lack of heedfulness, a lack of respect, or even as an expression of unrestrained sensual desire.
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