Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 80Sitting in Private

Rahonisajja Sutta — Sitting in Private

Background

The Rahonisajja Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Pātimokkha section. This is the central part of the Vinaya for bhikkhunīs. The Theravāda Buddhist tradition records that after the Buddha established the community of nuns, he particularly established rules to protect the spirit of practice and the honor of bhikkhunīs, in a complex social context with many possible misunderstandings.

The Rahonisajja Sutta is set in the context of certain situations encountered by the Buddha and his female disciples. The word “raho” in Pāli means “private” or “concealed,” while “nisajja” denotes the act of sitting or remaining. Thus the title refers to sitting or remaining privately, in circumstances where composure and carefulness regarding appearances are necessary.

Main Content

This sutta deals with one of the delicate Pātimokkha rules, a pācittiya offense requiring confession, that bhikkhunīs must observe. Specifically, it concerns the prohibition against a bhikkhunī sitting or remaining alone with a male bhikkhu in a hidden or dark place, where a third person cannot easily see them.

This rule is not due to moral inferiority or suspicion concerning the nature of bhikkhunīs, but for two practical reasons: first, to protect the Sangha, the monastic community, from unfair criticism by lay people; second, to maintain real safety and avoid situations that could lead to risk or provocation.

The Buddha emphasized that these rules are not arbitrary restrictions, but common protective measures for all members of the Sangha. Bhikkhunīs are encouraged to maintain vigilance and clear comprehension (sampajañña) in every action and in every place they choose.