San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Pc 28Sitting in Private

Explanation of the Rahonisajja Sutta (Sitting in Private)

Context

The Rahonisajja Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha of the bhikkhus. It is one of the important regulations concerning the speech and conduct of renunciants in the Sangha community.

Rahonisajja means “sitting privately” or “sitting secluded” (rahonisajja: raho = separate, nisajja = sitting). This rule appears in the context of the Buddha establishing training rules to protect the purity of the Sangha and prevent misunderstandings among the lay community.

At that time, some bhikkhus sat privately with female lay devotees (upāsikā) or other women without a witness. This led to improper imaginings among the public and affected the reputation of the Buddha Dharma. Therefore, the Buddha clearly defined the necessary conditions when bhikkhus come into contact with women, in order to avoid misunderstandings and maintain purity.

Main Content

The Rahonisajja rule in the Pātimokkha prohibits bhikkhus from sitting privately with a woman (Pāli: itthī) without a witness (anāvaraṇa—without protection, without a witness). This is classified as a Pācittiya offense—minor offenses for which a bhikkhu must confess and repent.

Specifically, if a bhikkhu voluntarily sits privately in a secluded place with a woman, even with no bad intention, this action is still considered a violation because it creates an opportunity for slanderous speech (apakāranā) from the public. This rule does not distinguish age or relationship—even if the woman is a relative, the same applies.

To observe this rule, a bhikkhu should:
1. Not sit privately with women in a secluded place (anto)
2. If contact or conversation is necessary, there must be a witness (anuppanna—the presence of another person)
3.