Upp Pc 67Lying Down With a Woman

Commentary on the Mātugāmasahaseyya Sutta (Lying Down Together with a Woman)

Background

The Mātugāmasahaseyya is found within the Pātimokkha — the Code of Discipline governing bhikkhus (monks) in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It is one of the Sekhiya regulations (rules pertaining to occasions and circumstances) within the Vinaya Piṭaka, reflecting the rigorous governance of the bodily conduct of monastics within the Saṅgha community.

According to tradition, these regulations were established by the Blessed One Śākyamuni Buddha or by senior members of the Saṅgha in order to prevent incidents that might arise, and to preserve the brahmacariya (holy life) and the good reputation of the Saṅgha. The text is not merely a form of control, but also a reminder of the vigilance required in every action of a monastic.

Main Content

The Mātugāmasahaseyya regulation states that a bhikkhu should not lie down together with a woman (mātugāma) beneath the same blanket or mat (sahaseyya). This is not an absolute prohibition on all contact with women, but rather a demarcation concerning physical space and mindfulness of conduct.

This text arose from practical situations that early Buddhism had to confront. When bhikkhus lived in close proximity to lay communities, mental defilements (kilesa) such as greed (lobha), aversion (dosa), and delusion (moha) could arise from careless contact. This regulation is a preventive measure, helping monastics to protect themselves from the latent snares of sensual desire.

The emphasis on "lying beneath the same blanket" (sahaseyya) indicates that such proximity is particularly liable to cause distraction or to arouse sensual passions. This does not mean that women are impure or deserving of restraint; rather, it reflects a profound understanding of human psychology and the way in which external conditions can influence the path of practice.