Xct Mu Bu Pm Pc 5Teaching Someone of the Opposite Gender Alone
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dhammadesanā
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The Sutta on Teaching the Dharma to Someone of the Opposite Sex
Background
This sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Suttavibhaṅga section of the Pātimokkha, in order to set forth ethical principles for monks and bhikkhunīs within the Sangha community. It is one of the important rules intended to protect monastic purity and maintain respect among members of the Buddhist community.
The background from which this sutta arose concerns situations the Buddha witnessed in which celibate monastics met with bhikkhunīs or female lay followers without a witness. From this, the Buddha issued rules, without defect, to avoid suspicion, jealousy, and possible disadvantages that might arise.
Main Content
The rule on teaching the Dharma to a person of the opposite sex while alone (Dhammadesanā) states clearly that a monk should not teach the Dharma to a woman alone, except under certain conditions. Likewise, a bhikkhunī should not teach the Dharma to a man alone under unsuitable circumstances.
The purpose of this rule is not to forbid the sharing of the Buddha-Dharma, because the spreading of the teaching is a core duty of monastics. Rather, it requires caution and respect: one or more witnesses (sākkhī) should be present, or meetings should take place in public places, or other means should be found to share the Buddha-Dharma safely and purely.
This rule reflects the Buddha’s wisdom in protecting the image of the Dhamma from suspicion and insincere talk (micchā-sambhāva). It also shows respect for both male and female monastics by creating a pure environment, free from what could cause loss of trust.
Practical Meaning
In the context of practice today, this rule teaches us the importance of carefulness (appamāda) in every action, especially when interacting with people of the opposite sex.
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