Bi Pc 102102. Lying down with a man
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mātugāmasahaseyya
A nun who lies down in the same room as a man must confess the offense.
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Explanatory Commentary on Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 102: A Bhikkhunī Lying Down Together with a Man
Background
This rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka—specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha (the code of monastic rules for bhikkhunīs)—with the purpose of protecting the purity of the Saṅgha and maintaining the confidence of the Buddhist lay community. During the time when the Blessed One still dwelt in the world, there were bhikkhunīs who were not careful in their conduct, giving rise to situations that aroused suspicion and brought discredit upon the Dharma. For this reason, the Buddha established specific preventive rules to guard against actions that could harm the reputation of the Saṅgha.
The rule of Mātugāmasahaseyya (Lying Down in the Same Room as a Man) is one of the fundamental rules of the Vinaya, reflecting the supreme level of care that the Buddhadharma requires of those who seek liberation. It pertains not only to personal character, but also to the principle of avoiding situations that could give rise to offense or reproach within the community.
Main Content
This rule prescribes that if a bhikkhunī lies down or reclines in the same room as a man—regardless of who that man may be, whether a devotee or an outsider—she must confess the offense before the assembly of bhikkhunīs. This act is considered a Pātimokkha offense, that is, a transgression requiring public confession during the Uposatha gathering (the day of recitation of the Pātimokkha).
The interpretation of this rule is very precise. "Lying down" (sahaseyya) does not simply mean sleeping; it includes reclining as well—that is, permitting or giving rise to a situation that could lead to improper appearances. This prohibition applies even when no wrongful act has occurred, because the fundamental principle is to eliminate opportunities and remove suspicion from the outset. This is a form of "building a fence"—preventing a problem before it begins.
Whether the bhikkhunī acts intentionally or unintentionally in committing this act, the rule requires her to confess the offense herself.
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