Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 79Sitting in Private

The Rahonisajja Sutta — Regulation on Sitting in Private

Background

Rahonisajja (Pāli: rahosi + nisajja = sitting in private) is a prohibition in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the code for bhikkhunīs. This sutta reflects situations in which bhikkhunīs met men or male ascetics in private spaces without witnesses, thereby giving rise to suspicion and slander from the community.

The historical context of this regulation concerns the need to protect the honor and purity of the bhikkhunī community. In the time of the Buddha, when the Teaching had just been established, respect and trust from the community were vital to the survival of the Sangha. Therefore, any action that appeared improper or could give rise to gossip, even if it was not itself a transgression, needed to be limited.

Main Content

Rahonisajja stipulates that bhikkhunīs should not sit privately, alone or with only one person, with men or male ascetics in closed or hidden spaces. If a bhikkhunī violates this regulation, especially if the action becomes known to many and causes people to speak ill of her, she must be held responsible according to the Pātimokkha rule.

This prohibition does not arise from regarding private sitting as intrinsically sinful, but chiefly serves to preserve the image and honor of bhikkhunīs before the public. The Pāli Vinaya pays close attention to the concept of “Avajanīya,” matters that may cause contempt or suspicion.

The scope of this regulation includes:

• Sitting privately (rahosi nisajja) in spaces such as locked rooms, deep huts, or any place where others cannot easily observe.
• With any man, whether a layman or a monastic.
• This applies when she knows or has reason to believe that the action will cause slander.