Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 83Talking In the Open

The Sutta on Talking Outdoors (Ajjhokāsasallapana)

Background

The Ajjhokāsasallapana Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic ethical code of the Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. It is one of the prohibitory rules (Pācittiya) that bhikkhus must observe in order to maintain purity of body, speech, and mind.

The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled after the Buddha entered nirvana, based on his instructions and discipline. These rules are not arbitrary arrangements, but grounded teachings intended to limit actions that may lead to greed, hatred, and delusion, or cause Buddhists to lose faith in the Sangha. The Ajjhokāsasallapana Sutta is especially concerned with self-control in communication and in the monastic way of life.

Main Content

In terms of terminology, ajjhokāsa means “outdoors” or “in an open, uncovered place,” while sallapana means “speaking, conversing.” This rule warns male monastics against the conduct of speaking privately with women in hidden places or without the witness of others.

The Vinaya Piṭaka records that if a bhikkhu deliberately speaks privately with a woman in a place that is not public or without witnesses, especially speech of a flirtatious or vulgar nature, he commits a Pācittiya offense, a fault that must be confessed and repented before the Sangha. This is not an offense entailing loss of the bhikkhu state, but it shows insufficient restraint over body, speech, and mind.

The deeper reason for this rule is to protect the dignity of the bhikkhu, avoid suspicions and unjust accusations from society, and most importantly encourage continuous heedfulness (appamāda). When a monastic knows that every action may be verified or heard, he will be more careful in every word.