Lzh Mg Bu Pm Pc 54Sitting in a Concealed Place
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rahopaṭicchanna
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RAHOPAṬICCHANNA SUTTA (SITTING IN A CONCEALED PLACE)
Background
The Rahopaṭicchanna Sutta (Pāli: raho = concealed, a secluded place; paṭicchanna = covered, hidden) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Pātimokkha or the disciplinary rules of the Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. It is one of the important disciplinary regulations for bhikkhus (monks) in the Theravāda tradition, intended to protect the continuity of the Sangha and to maintain the trust of the lay community.
This sutta was recorded in the context of the Buddha and his disciples establishing the monastic community. In the course of training and practice, matters of conduct inconsistent with the precepts continually arose, giving rise to specific prohibitions and guidelines so that bhikkhus might uphold lofty ethical standards.
Principal Content
Rahopaṭicchanna concerns actions that a bhikkhu ought not to perform in concealed places, unwitnessed by others. Specifically, the sutta warns against behaviors of a sensitive or licentious nature which, if carried out in secluded locations, would give rise to suspicion and bring harm to the honor of the Sangha.
According to the Theravāda Vinaya tradition, actions prohibited in concealed places include: inappropriate physical contact with other individuals, particularly with women; and actions liable to cast doubt upon the bhikkhu's brahmacariya (holy celibate life). Not only actual deeds are encompassed, but also conduct that is suggestive or provocative in nature.
The central emphasis of this sutta is: a bhikkhu must not only observe the precepts concerning his own actions, but must also attend to the suspicions or doubts that others may conceive. The spirit of the Vinaya is not solely about absolute innocence in deed, but also about safeguarding the personal integrity and honor of the Sangha in the eyes of society.
Practical Significance
Rahopaṭicchanna teaches that a monastic must guard not only his bodily conduct (kāya), but must also be mindful of the perceptions of others.
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