Bi Pc 125125. Sitting with a man in a concealed place
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rahopaṭicchanna
A nun who sits in a secluded place with a man must confess the offense.
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RAHOPAṬICCHANNA SUTTA (125)
A Bhikkhunī Sitting in Concealment with a Man
Background
This rule is recorded in the Bhikkhunī Pāṭimokkha—the code of discipline for bhikkhunīs in the Vinaya of the Theravāda tradition. During the time of the Buddha, the community of bhikkhunīs (bhikkhunī-saṅgha) was established with detailed instructions aimed at protecting the virtue and reputation of the nuns.
The rule of rahopaṭicchanna (sitting with a man in a concealed place) was established on account of situations that arose when bhikkhunīs met with male monastics or laymen without a witness present. Such situations could easily give rise to misunderstandings, damage to moral integrity, and the erosion of the community's faith. The Buddha therefore decreed that bhikkhunīs must avoid such situations, and that if a violation occurs, the offender must confess the transgression according to the pabatti (confession) procedure.
Main Content
According to Bi Pc 125, a bhikkhunī may not sit in a concealed place (rahopaṭicchanna), alone by herself with any man whatsoever. "Concealed" (rahopaṭicchanna) is defined as a place where the two persons cannot be seen by a third party—whether it be a closed building, a cave, or any space into which the eyes of an outsider cannot penetrate.
This offense is classified as a dukkaṭa (an act of wrongdoing of relative gravity). If a bhikkhunī has sat in a concealed place with a man and comes to recognize that her action was not in accordance with the Vinaya, she must confess this offense before the entire community of bhikkhunīs or before three bhikkhunīs of recognized standing within the order.
The rule does not apply in exceptional cases, such as when the man in question is her father, brother, or a close relative, or when there are other legitimate reasons. Nevertheless, in order to avoid suspicion and to protect their reputation, bhikkhunīs are encouraged to exercise caution even in such situations.
Practical Significance
The Rahopaṭicchanna rule is not a discrimination against or a suspicion of women; it is a protection grounded in wisdom. Within the social context of ancient India, the respect and good reputation of the bhikkhunīs were decisive factors for the survival and flourishing of the religious community.
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