Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Pc 29Sitting in Private

The Rahonisajja Sutta (坐私處 — Sitting in Private)

Background

Rahonisajja is a part of the Buddhist Vinaya Piṭaka, within the system of practice and management of the community of monks and nuns in early Buddhism. The words "Raho" (private, hidden) and "Nisajja" (sitting habit, the act of sitting) refer to regulations concerning conduct when sitting privately, especially in situations that may lead to suspicion or damage the reputation of the Sangha.

The background from which this text arose is connected with the need to protect the discipline (Vinaya) and maintain the pure reputation of Buddhism. In the Buddha’s time, monastics needed to observe careful rules of conduct, not only for practice but also to preserve the people’s faith in the Sangha. The Rahonisajja Sutta particularly emphasizes the potential dangers when male and female monastics sit privately, or when one gone forth is in a secluded place without the witness of others.

Main Content

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Rahonisajja Sutta states that monastics should not sit privately (rahonisajja) with a female monastic, especially in dark or secluded places. These rules include specific situations such as sitting in a closed room, or in a place where others cannot see them.

The reason behind these regulations is not that the Buddha doubted his disciples, but that he wished to avoid suspicion and criticism from society outside. The text says: "Even the shadow of bad actions should not be left behind." This reflects a higher ethical principle: not only to avoid wrongdoing, but also to avoid forms that suggest it or give rise to suspicion.

The detailed regulations include avoiding sitting privately with someone of the other sex in non-public spaces; if meeting, there should be a witness or the meeting should occur in an open place. Violations may lead to negative consequences (karma) and weaken the community’s faith in the Sangha.