San Mg Bu Pm Pc 25Sitting in Private

The Sutta on Sitting in Private (Rahonisajja)

Background

Rahonisajja is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, found in the Bhikkhunī Pāṭimokkha--the collection of voluntary disciplinary rules for female monastics (bhikkhunī). This regulation appears in the historical context in which the Buddha Gotama established the women's Sangha with strict principles of practice.

The title "Sitting in Private" concerns issues of space, time, and privacy among bhikkhunīs. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled not to restrict freedom, but to protect the purity of the Sangha and prevent occasions of danger--that is, situations that could lead to conduct violating the discipline. This is an expression of the principle of "pāram-yaya-ñāṇa"--understanding what is improper and prohibited.

Main Content

The Rahonisajja rule concerns two or more bhikkhunīs sitting in private (rahonisajja) without a witness, especially when a man (purisa) is present. The rule states that female monastics should not place themselves in private situations that may give rise to suspicion or to opportunities that harm the honor of the Sangha.

The specific purpose of this regulation is to prevent circumstances from which occasions of danger may arise--latent opportunities for violating the discipline or creating misunderstandings about the purity of monastics. Bhikkhunīs are encouraged to live openly, in the presence of others, in order to protect both personal honor and the honor of the Sangha.

The important point is that this rule does not completely forbid concentration, meditation, or conversation; rather, it guards against situations that could create doubt or unfavorable conditions for pure practice. It is a proactive protection--actively preventing things from the root, rather than merely dealing with violations after they have occurred.

Practical Meaning

For those who study the Theravāda tradition, Rahonisajja carries a profound lesson about mindfulness and communal responsibility.