Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 87Lying on the Same Bed
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ekamañcatuvaṭṭana
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An Explanation of the Ekamañcatuvaṭṭana Sutta (Lying on the Same Bed)
Background
This sutta originates from the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddha-Dharma, specifically from the Pātimokkha, the list of ethical rules that bhikkhus must observe. The sutta is recorded in the context of the Buddha teaching monastics about actions that violate purity (brahmacarya), especially those related to inappropriate bodily contact between bhikkhus.
Ekamañcatuvaṭṭana is named in Pāli from the combination of “eka” (one), “mañca” (bed), and “tuvaṭṭana” (lying or rolling). This title evokes specific situations that the Buddha gave as examples in instructing on the preservation of celibate conduct.
Main Content
In this section, the Buddha teaches that bhikkhus should not lie on the same bed with other bhikkhus, especially in situations that could lead to excessive intimacy. The act of “rolling” on the same bed, whether unintentionally or intentionally, is regarded as a violation of the vow of celibacy (brahmacarya-vrata).
This rule is intended not only to protect bodily purity, but also to prevent the arising of craving and attachment, two great obstacles on the path of Buddhist practice. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, this violation is specifically classified, with suitable penalties or educational duties that monastics must perform in order to confess and restore wholesome conduct.
In addition, the sutta also mentions specific cases with different degrees of violation. This reflects the profound approach of the Pāli Vinaya Piṭaka: these are not rigid rules, but guidelines that make distinctions according to intention, circumstance, and the degree of the offender’s fault.
Practical Meaning
Although this sutta is recorded specifically for the community of bhikkhus (Sangha), its deeper meaning remains applicable to all who practice according to the Buddha-Dharma.
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