Bi Pc 1616. Sitting down without permission
Pāli / Sanskrit:Anāpucchāabhinisīdana
A nun who sits or lies down on a seat in a house without asking the owners for permission must confess the offense.
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Commentary on the Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 16: Sitting Down Without Permission
Background
This rule is recorded in the Pātimokkha (the Recitation of the Fundamental Code), the essential book of Discipline of the Monastic Community in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. Bhikkhunī Pācittiya 16 belongs to the category of Pācittiya offenses—that is, offenses requiring confession before the assembly of monastics.
This rule arose from practical situations in the early Saṅgha. When female practitioners lived together with laypeople in households, matters of courtesy, respect, and orderly cohabitation required clear principles. For a nun to seat or lay herself down on the seats of the householders without asking permission was not merely an act of discourtesy; it also expressed a lack of respect for others and a violation of the spirit of loving-kindness (mettā) in social interaction.
The Buddha's teaching conveys this nuance: when entering another person's home, a monastic must bear in mind that this is the property and living space of the householder. Asking permission is an expression of respect, and it helps to sustain harmony and trust between the Monastic Community and those who support the Dharma.
Principal Content
This rule stipulates that a nun may not sit or lie down on any chair, bed, or seat in another person's home without first asking permission of the owner or the person responsible for that place. The Pāli phrase "Anāpucchāabhinisīdana" divides into three parts: "anāpucchā" (without asking, without seeking permission) and "abhinisīdana" (sitting down, occupying a place).
The act of transgressing this rule does not constitute the gravest offense (Pārājika), yet it requires confession before the assembly of nuns. Confession (paṭinissagga) is a process of publicly acknowledging one's fault, expressing remorse, and committing not to repeat the act in the future. This process serves not only to clear the offense, but also to maintain the purity of the spirit of practice and to build trust within the community.
It must be understood that this rule is not a means by which the community manages thoughtlessness.
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