Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 27Intruding on a Couple Enjoying Themselves
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sabhojana
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Commentary on the Sabhojana Scripture
Intruding Upon a Married Couple at Ease
Background
The Sabhojana scripture (Sabhojana Pācittiya) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the training rules for bhikkhunīs. This record derives from historical stories in the early Sangha community, when the Buddha and his disciples were living at Sāvatthī or in other regions of India.
The background of this scripture reflects a specific situation: some bhikkhunīs, whether unintentionally or intentionally, intruded into the private dwelling of married couples who were enjoying peaceful time together. This was regarded as a violation of rules of courtesy, the preservation of family happiness, and observance of the precepts concerning body, speech, and mind for nuns.
Main Content
The Sabhojana scripture states that if a bhikkhunī intentionally enters a place where a husband and wife are alone and enjoying their private time, this is considered a Pācittiya offense (Pāli: pācittiya, a type of formal confession). Pācittiya is a type of violation that must be openly confessed before the Sangha, or at least before other bhikkhunīs.
This rule is intended not only to avoid disturbing laypeople, but also to protect the reputation of the nuns themselves. Unexpected intrusion into private moments between husband and wife could give rise to negative assumptions about the nun’s intentions, thereby diminishing the people’s respect for the Sangha.
This rule also reflects the philosophy of Theravāda Buddhism: monastics should live with restraint, propriety, and respect for others’ privacy, especially those who have not left household life. This is an expression of brahmacarya, the pure life, one of the core values of Buddhism.
Practical Meaning
In the context of modern practice, the Sabhojana scripture teaches us a profound lesson about respect.
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