Lzh Mi Bu Pm Pc 44Sitting in Private

Explanation of the Rahonisajja Discourse (Sitting in Private)

Background

The Rahonisajja discourse belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka of the Pāli Canon, where the rules of practice and governance for the Sangha in Theravāda Buddhism are recorded. This collection was formed from the Buddha’s teachings in order to protect the practice of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, while maintaining the purity and trustworthiness of the monastic community.

The term "Rahonisajja" (રहो निसज्ज) derives from two Pāli words: "raho," meaning private or secluded, and "nisajja," meaning sitting or remaining. This discourse concerns situations in which male and female monastics sit privately together, and the regulations on avoiding circumstances that could harm reputation as well as concentration in practice.

Main Content

In the context of the Vinaya Pitaka, the Rahonisajja discourse gives rules of conduct to avoid situations that may give rise to suspicion or misrepresentation concerning one’s monastic conduct. In particular, the Buddha emphasizes that bhikkhus should not sit privately with bhikkhunis in enclosed spaces, or even in places that could lead others to negative assumptions.

This basic principle is not merely a matter of delicacy, but arises from the Buddha’s profound understanding of human psychology and latent dangers. Even when monastics have pure intentions, the appearance or outward form of a violation can damage the community’s trust and limit the ability to spread the Dharma.

The discourse also refers to the principle of "protecting oneself, protecting others" (atta-samvaro, para-samvaro). By observing these rules, bhikkhus protect their own integrity while also protecting others from negative thoughts. This is an expression of noble Buddhist ethics, going beyond merely obeying rules in a rigid way.