Mpt Pc 29Rahasi sthānaṁ

Explanation of the Rahasi Sthānaṁ Sutta

From the Traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka

Background

Rahasi sthānaṁ (a secret place) is a prohibition in the Pātimokkha, the core of the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism. This discourse is found in the Pārājika section (grave offenses) or the Pācittiya section (lesser offenses), and concerns the conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in private circumstances.

According to the Pāli tradition, the Buddha established the rules of the Vinaya to protect diligence in study and practice, maintain the purity of the Sangha, and remove things that could bring disgrace upon Buddhism. The background of Rahasi sthānaṁ arises from specific situations that the Buddha witnessed or that were reported to him, involving unlawful conduct in secluded places.

Main Content

The Rahasi sthānaṁ Sutta stipulates that bhikkhus must not engage in improper actions in secret or private places. Specifically, this refers to such actions as inappropriate bodily contact with women, private conversation with bad intention, or involvement in faults connected with sensual desire (kāma).

The Pātimokkha, the basic code of rules, was established by the Buddha on the principle that if any action may harm others, damage the honor of the Sangha, or become an obstacle on the path of practice, then it is prohibited. Rahasi sthānaṁ develops from this principle, emphasizing the importance of carefulness and self-restraint, especially in situations where delusion can easily arise.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, violation of this rule depends on the degree of seriousness: it may be a grave matter if the action occurs in a private place without witnesses, or it may lead to other penalties depending on the specific case.

Practical Meaning

The profound meaning of Rahasi sthānaṁ goes beyond a prohibition of conduct. It is a lesson in truthfulness and inner carefulness.