San Mu Bu Pm GBM 2 Pc 65Lying Down With a Woman
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mātugāmasahaseyya
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The Mātugāmasahaseyya Discourse (Lying Down with a Woman)
Background
This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha section for the Sangha. It is one of the clear rules intended to guide monastics in maintaining purity of conduct. The origin of this rule arose from specific events in the Sangha, when the Buddha discovered unsuitable actions by some disciples and had to promulgate regulations to put the order of practice in proper form.
In the social context of India at the Buddha's time, separation between men and women was necessary to protect concentration of mind (samādhi) and to avoid obstacles on the path of renunciant practice. This discourse, therefore, is not an expression of discrimination, but a practical measure to maintain the spirit of practice and mutual respect within the community.
Main Content
The Mātugāmasahaseyya discourse prescribes that a monk is not permitted to sleep together with a woman under the same roof, and not even to lie alone with a woman in isolated circumstances. This rule is considered one of the prohibitions (Pācittiya, a violation requiring confession) in the code of discipline.
The basis of this rule is the recognition of the nature of natural tendencies and potential dangers. Theravāda Buddhism does not hide or deny human natural needs; instead, it faces them honestly and establishes practical guidance to protect those who have chosen the renunciant path.
This rule also applies to various situations: if a monk lies down together with a woman under the same roof, or lies separately but in the same private space, these are violations that need to be handled according to the purification procedures of the Sangha.
Practical Meaning
The deeper purpose of this discourse is not condemnation or discrimination, but the protection of the mind of the practitioner.
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