Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 29Sitting in a Concealed Place
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rahopaṭicchanna
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RAHOPAṬICCHANNA DISCOURSE: SITTING IN A CONCEALED PLACE AWAY FROM OTHERS
Background
Rahopaṭicchanna (raho = private, secluded; paṭicchanna = covered, concealed) is a prohibition in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the early Buddhist tradition. This rule is found in the Pātimokkha, the code of discipline, specifically among the Pācittiya offenses, violations requiring confession and corrective practice. The rule was composed to protect the purity of the Sangha, the community of monastics, as well as to maintain trust from the Buddhist lay community.
The context for this rule reflects practical concerns in collective practice. When monastics frequently sit privately in places hidden from view, outside the sight of the community, this may give rise to suspicion about their conduct. The act of “sitting in a concealed place away from others” is not only related to lack of trustworthiness, but also creates the opportunity for conduct not appropriate to the life of practice.
Main Content
Rahopaṭicchanna states that monastics should not sit in places completely hidden from view, where no one else can see or supervise them. More specifically, the rule prohibits sitting in isolated or screened places without any presence or witness from others in the community.
Violation of this rule is not related to any specific prohibited act, such as improper interaction with women or stealing, but to the context and atmosphere that create suspicion. If a monastic is accused of violating this rule, he must undertake confession (Pācittiya) and resolve not to repeat the action.
This rule is also related to the principle of “Saṅghādisesa,” offenses involving communal management. The purpose is to ensure that all actions of monastics take place in the light, not only physically but also spiritually.
Practical Meaning
Rahopaṭicchanna teaches us a profound lesson about the value of transparency and honesty in a community of practice.
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