Lzh Mi Bu Vb Pc 44Sitting in Private

EXPLANATION OF THE RAHONISAJJA TEXT (SITTING SECLUDED IN PRIVATE)

Background

The Rahonisajja text, sitting privately and secluded with a person of the opposite sex, belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli tradition, specifically the Pācittiya section, the training rules requiring confession when violated. This is the 44th rule among the 92 Pācittiya rules for bhikkhunīs.

The Vinaya Piṭaka was laid down by the Buddha not to bind monks and nuns, but to protect the pure conduct of the Sangha, maintain the faith of the lay community, and create favorable conditions for the practice of meditative concentration and insight. The training rules concerning relations between men and women are especially strict, reflecting the Buddha's prudence in preventing any situation that might lead to suspicion, misunderstanding, or harm to the reputation of those gone forth.

The Rahonisajja rule was laid down after a case in which a bhikkhunī sat privately with a man in a closed space, giving rise to public criticism and harming the honor of monks and nuns. The Buddha, with profound wisdom regarding human and social psychology, saw the need for a clear regulation to protect both the monastic and the reputation of Buddhism.

Main Content

The specific content of this rule states: A bhikkhunī must not sit privately with a man in a closed, concealed space where there is no third person to witness it. If she violates this, she must confess according to the Pācittiya procedure.

The factors constituting the offense include:
1. Object: a man, whether ordained or lay
2. Action: sitting privately together
3. Place: a secluded place (rahonisajja), screened from outside view
4. Time: sitting long enough for improper conduct to occur or for misunderstanding to arise
5. Awareness: knowing clearly that one is sitting privately in a closed space with a man

This rule does not apply in cases where:

• A third person capable of perception (samviññanaka) is present
• The place is open and observable from outside
• There is an emergency illness requiring care
• There are unavoidable circumstances

The spirit of the rule is guarding the body through discipline (kāya-gutta) and protecting reputation (kittisadda). The Buddha taught that one gone forth should be "like salt in water": pure, transparent, and not giving worldly people an opportunity to revile the Three Jewels.

Meaning for Practice

The Rahonisajja rule expresses three deep levels of meaning for practitioners:

First, in terms of guarding the mind: a secluded, private environment is a condition favorable for defilements to arise. Sensual desire (kāma-rāga) is one of the strongest of the five hindrances, obstructing meditation. One gone forth must know how to protect oneself by avoiding circumstances that stimulate defilement.

Second, in terms of social responsibility: monks and nuns live through the faithful offerings of the community. A pure reputation is not only a personal matter but affects people's faith in the Buddha-Dharma. "Doubt gives rise to evil": even when there is no wrongdoing, creating suspicion harms the true Dharma.

Third, in terms of the practice of mindfulness: discipline is the foundation of concentration and wisdom.