Lzh Mi Bu Vb Pc 25Sitting in Private
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rahonisajja
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The Rahonisajja Text (Sitting Alone in Private)
Background
The Rahonisajja text is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the fundamental training discipline. This is the code governing the conduct of bhikkhunīs, women gone forth, in the Buddhist Sangha. The text was recorded in the context after the Buddha formally accepted women into the Sangha, a major turning point in Buddhist history.
The title "Rahonisajja" is translated as "Sitting Alone" or "Sitting in Seclusion," from the Pāli: "raho" (private, secluded) and "nisajja" (sitting, seat). This text reflects the practical concerns of the early monastic community about maintaining discipline and purity in ethics, especially in interactions between male and female monastics.
Main Content
The Rahonisajja text regulates conduct related to sitting alone or in secluded places. Specifically, it forbids bhikkhunīs from sitting alone with male bhikkhus or with persons of the opposite sex in secluded places separated from the eyes of others. This is considered conduct that may cause misunderstanding or affect the honor of the Sangha.
This rule does not arise from absolute suspicion of the character of monastics, but is a wise preventive measure. It recognizes that even the best intentions can be misjudged when there are no witnesses. The text teaches that what appears before the eyes of the community is transparent and free from question, but what happens in a secluded place cannot be verified.
The penalty for violating this rule is Pācittiya, one of the lesser penalties but still requiring a monastic to declare the fault before the community and undertake appropriate confession.
Meaning for Practice
The Rahonisajja text teaches us a precious lesson about carefulness in action and the importance of purity before the eyes of the community.
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