Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 89Lying on the Same Sheet

Ekattharaṇatuvaṭṭana Discourse (Lying Under the Same Covering)

Background

This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, specifically the Pāṭimokkha Samvaranīya (rules of self-restraint). The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a set of abstract injunctions, but practical regulations arising from specific situations that occurred in the early monastic community. Each rule has a history, an “aetiology” (Pāli: nidāna), describing the reason it was adopted.

Ekattharaṇatuvaṭṭana means “lying under the same covering” (or “sharing one blanket or sheet for lying down”). This rule regulates the conduct of bhikkhus or bhikkhunī in relation to lying under the same covering together. It is one of the rules in the Pācittiya category (Pāli atonement), minor offenses for which the offender must acknowledge the fault and perform confession.

Main Content

According to the Pāṭimokkha and Theravāda Vinaya materials, when two bhikkhus or bhikkhunī lie under the same covering (attharaṇa), if they do so intentionally without a legitimate reason, such as illness or harsh weather, and especially if they cover themselves completely under the same cloth without witnesses or appropriate privacy, this is regarded as a violation of the rule.

The reason behind this rule is clear: it is intended to protect the honor of the Sangha and prevent unwholesome speculation from outsiders. According to the spirit of the Vinaya Piṭaka, a renunciant must avoid not only bad actions but also appearances that may be misunderstood. In Pāli language this is called “appicchataṃ” (fewness of wishes) and “santuṭṭhitā” (contentment), basic qualities of a practitioner.

The rule does not absolutely forbid lying near one another, but reminds practitioners that this action must comply with certain conditions: there must be light, there must be witnesses, or there must be a reasonable spiritual purpose, such as caring for the sick.