Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 81Standing Alone With Monk

Explanation of the Discourse: Standing Alone with a Monk

Background

This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, specifically the Pātimokkha Saṃvara Bhikkhu Pācittiya section (Pācittiya rules for bhikkhus). Pācittiya offenses are lighter than Pārājika and Saṅghādisesa offenses, but still require Pācittiya, confession, when violated.

The historical background of this discourse lies in the time when the Buddha was still living at Jeta’s Grove, where the Sangha was formed and the Vinaya Piṭaka gradually established. The Pācittiya discourses reflect the need to regulate the conduct of bhikkhus within the community of practice, in order to maintain a spirit of purity and harmony in the Sangha.

This discourse specifically revolves around the situation of a bhikkhu standing alone with a laywoman or a bhikkhunī. This is a matter related to Saṅghādisesa (communal practice), connected with respect and the preservation of the integrity of the renunciant community.

Main Content

The discourse states that a bhikkhu should not stand alone with a woman deep inside a house or in a secluded place. The purpose of this rule is to protect the purity of the Sangha and to avoid unnecessary suspicion or gossip from the community. This is not an arbitrary absolute imposition, but an ethical principle based on reason and respect.

In fact, the nature of this rule is to protect the integrity of both the bhikkhu and the woman. It reflects the Buddha’s deep understanding of human psychology: secluded situations easily lead to curiosity, fascination, or actions unworthy of the vows of practice.

This discourse also mentions the principle of “Three Witnesses” (Tisaraṇa): a bhikkhu should stand with a woman only when there is the witness of a third person. This is not for the purpose of control, but to protect personal reputation and preserve the community’s trust in the Sangha.