Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Pc 43Sitting in a Concealed Place

Rahopaṭicchanna Discourse (Sitting in a Concealed Place)

Background

The Rahopaṭicchanna discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya section of the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha, the rules concerning actions that require confession and correction. This is not a Saṃyutta discourse, but a set of training rules for bhikkhus, that is, male monastics.

The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled on the basis of events that occurred in the early Sangha community while the Buddha was still alive. Each rule was established to counter specific violations or to protect the integrity of the community. This discourse concerns inappropriate conduct by bhikkhus in specific situations, especially actions that affect the honor of the Three Jewels.

Main Content

Rahopaṭicchanna (raho-paṭicchanna, “covered in secrecy” or “sitting in a covered place”) deals with a situation in which a bhikkhu conceals himself or seeks a hidden place to perform unwholesome actions. This content concerns the concealment of intention or conduct inappropriate in relation to others, especially women.

In the Vinaya context, this discourse emphasizes that a bhikkhu should not intentionally seek a private place or conceal his purpose in order to perform conduct inconsistent with the nature of one who has gone forth. Such concealment is considered a sign of greed, hatred, and delusion, the three unwholesome roots (akusala mūla) in Buddhism. When a bhikkhu deliberately seeks a hidden place to meet someone or do something he does not want others to know about, this violates the principle of monastic practice and harms the honor of the community.

This rule does not merely forbid immoral acts; it also reminds us that one who has gone forth should live openly and transparently. Concealment itself is an expression of a dark and unclear mind. A bhikkhu who truly practices will have no need to hide his actions, because all his deeds arise from a pure mind and conform to morality.