Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 26Sitting in Private
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rahonisajja
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Sūtra on Sitting in Private (Rahonisajja) — Commentary
Context
The Sūtra on Sitting in Private belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Pātimokkha (Bhikkhu Pātimokkha) — the foundational code of discipline for monks. This is not a doctrinal sūtra but rather an important disciplinary rule within the Saṅgha, intended to protect the honour of Buddhism and the purity of the monastic community.
Within the context of Theravāda Buddhadharma, the Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the foundation of practice for monks and nuns. Each rule is not an arbitrary punishment but rather the result of specific situations that arose historically. This sūtra concerns the ethical matter of conduct between monks and women of the opposite sex, something the Buddha considered essential to uphold for the preservation of the Dharma's honour.
Principal Content
The rule of "Sitting in Private" (Rahonisajja) prohibits a monk from sitting in a secluded place, without a witness, together with a woman. This constitutes a pācittiya offence — a violation pertaining to solitary conduct (not reaching the level of a grave offence, yet nonetheless requiring correction).
This rule originated from situations the Buddha himself observed: monks with impure minds, or monks suspected of improper conduct when alone in a secluded place with a woman. Even if the original intention may have been pure, the outward form is easily misunderstood and gives rise to a loss of trust within the community.
This teaching reflects an important principle: a monk must not only maintain a pure mind, but must also avoid suspicion and refrain from actions that are easily misinterpreted. This is the means by which the honour of the Saṅgha, and of oneself, is protected.
Practical Significance
The Rahonisajja teaching conveys two profound lessons: first, concerning careful vigilance in relations between the sexes; and second, concerning the importance of ethical honour — not only in one's inner state of mind, but equally in one's outward actions.
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