Xct Mu Bu Vb Pc 65Lying Down With a Woman

The Mātugāmasahaseyya Discourse (Sleeping With a Woman)

Background

This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically to the Pātimokkha, the basic code of discipline. It is one of the monastic disciplinary rules concerning conduct, or rules related to interactions with women — female devotees or women outside the monastery — which bhikkhus must observe in daily dealings.

The legal context arose from the need to protect both the monastic community and the honor of the Buddhadharma. The Buddha clearly saw that some bhikkhus, though gone forth, still risked being drawn into relationships of sensual desire if they lacked clear guidance. Therefore, he established detailed rules to educate and protect the path of conduct.

Main Content

The rule of Mātugāmasahaseyya states that a bhikkhu must not lie down to sleep together with a woman (mātugāma) with an intention of sensual desire. Specifically, if a bhikkhu deliberately lies down on the same sleeping place as a woman, knowing clearly that this may lead to wrongdoing or sensual desire, this is considered a Pācittiya offense, an offense requiring confession and correction.

This rule does not entirely prohibit contact with women — for bhikkhus need to meet female devotees in order to teach the Dharma and receive support — but it prohibits situations that carry a high risk in relation to chastity. If a bhikkhu sleeps in the same enclosed space with a woman without proper reason, such as illness or urgent necessity, especially during the dark of night, this is regarded as creating conditions for sensual desire to arise.

However, it should be noted that this rule does not apply to situations of lying down in public places, where there are witnesses, or to cases of serious illness requiring care. The boundary of the offense is clearly determined according to intention and context.