Bi Pc 1212. Meeting a man in a concealed place

Commentary on Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 12: Meeting in a Concealed Place

Background

The rule Paṭicchannokāsa is found in the third section of the Bhikkhunī Pāṭimokkha (the Vinaya for bhikkhunīs), the section governing offenses requiring confession (Pācittiya). These rules were established by the Buddha to protect the reputation of the bhikkhunī Sangha and to support the female practitioners in dwelling fully in stillness and wholesome Dharma.

The historical context of this rule relates to the early female disciples of the Buddha, in particular Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī — the first woman whom the Buddha accepted into the monastic order. In the early years of the Sangha, the establishment of clear rules was necessary to maintain purity and to avoid misunderstandings or unjust accusations from lay society.

Main Content

The rule Paṭicchannokāsa stipulates that: if a bhikkhunī, for the purpose of seeking privacy (paṭicchanna), stands alone together with a man (purisa) in a concealed place (okāsa), she incurs a Pācittiya offense requiring confession.

The significance of this rule lies in three elements:

First, the act of "standing alone" (ekatta) — that is, without a witness, without any other person present. This is not a matter of working together or conversing in public, but a condition of isolation.

Second, "concealment" (paṭicchanna) — not just any place, but a place that cannot be seen from outside, or where one may hide. This includes enclosed rooms, secluded corners, or private locations.

Third, "the purpose of seeking privacy" — meaning the act is not accidental but intentional. If it occurs for a legitimate reason (such as teaching the Dharma or providing medical care) and without wrongful intent, this rule may not apply.

The offense is classified as Pācittiya — an offense requiring confession before the Sangha or before a senior bhikkhunī. It is not the gravest category of offense, yet it nonetheless requires sincere repentance.