Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 49Lying Down With a Woman
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mātugāmasahaseyya
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The Mātugāmasahaseyya Discourse (Lying Down with a Woman)
Background
The code of discipline (Vinaya) was built from specific rules arising from events in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni. The Mātugāmasahaseyya discourse (mātugāma = woman; sahaseyya = lying together) is one of the important precepts (sīla) of the Bhikkhu Pāṭimokkha, belonging to the Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa section depending on the school.
The original story is connected with the humble practice of bhikkhus during the Buddha's lifetime. Behaviors inconsistent with purity and distinctness from laypeople were taught against by the Buddha and established as rules, in order to preserve the image of the Sangha and protect the mental attention of practitioners.
This rule is not only about avoiding sexual wrongdoing, but also about maintaining a proper boundary (sīmā) between the renunciant life and the lay life, between purity and defilement.
Main Content
The rule forbids bhikkhus from lying together on one bed or sleeping place with women, except in special cases such as relatives (mother, sisters) or in particular circumstances where there is no choice. This conduct is regarded as a violation of high standards of behavior and can lead to serious consequences depending on the degree: from confession (pāpessana) if it is only preliminary, to expulsion from the Sangha if the conditions of pārājika, an offense without restoration, are fulfilled.
The Buddha emphasized that the body of a bhikkhu should be contemplated as an impure object (asubha), in order to cultivate disenchantment (nibbidā) and not be deluded by sensual emotions. Avoiding physical closeness with women is a symbol of renouncing sensual pleasure (kāma).
This rule also serves the purpose of protecting the reputation of the Sangha in the eyes of the community. The purity and clear difference between bhikkhus and laypeople help maintain the faith of lay supporters (upāsaka, upāsikā), who support the Sangha throughout the land.
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