Bu Pc 2828. Traveling on a boat with a nun
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nāvābhiruhana
A monk who travels on a boat by arrangement with a nun must confess the offense.
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Nāvābhiruhana Sutta (Vinaya Piṭaka - Pācittiya 28)
Background
In Theravāda Buddhism, the Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the foundation of monastic life. The rules within the Pātimokkha — the fundamental code consisting of 227 precepts for bhikkhus — were established from specific situations arising in the lives of the earliest disciples of the Buddha.
The Nāvābhiruhana arose from a historical event within the early monastic community. At that time, bhikkhus needed to travel in order to propagate the Dhamma; however, overly close contact with bhikkhunīs could give rise to difficulties concerning conduct and the maintenance of the celibate life. Therefore, the Buddha laid down a clear rule regarding the shared use of public transport with female monastics.
Main Content
According to Pātimokkha 28, a bhikkhu is not permitted to arrange or agree with a bhikkhunī to board the same boat (nāva) together — whether a small vessel or a large one — for the purpose of traveling in common. Such an act is considered a Pācittiya offense, that is, a transgression requiring confession (paṭidesanā) before the elders or before the monastic community.
This rule does not absolutely prohibit the presence of male and female monastics within the same space; it prohibits only the arrangement to travel together from the outset of the journey, which implies deliberate initiative and intention. If bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs happen to board the same boat without any prior arrangement, or if there are other legitimate reasons, this rule does not apply.
Confession in this case does not require austerity or punishment; it is simply an acknowledgment before witnesses that the bhikkhu has recognized his transgression and is resolved not to repeat it. The process of confession (paṭidesanā) is a means of cultivation that brings clarity and honesty to the mind.
Practical Significance
The Nāvābhiruhana offers profound lessons on discipline, intention (cetanā), and self-awareness in spiritual practice.
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