Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 69Upholstery

Explanation of the Tūlonaddha Discourse (Padded Cloth)

Background

The Tūlonaddha discourse is found in the Pātimokkha within the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It is one of the detailed training rules for monks and nuns, concerning the use of everyday objects in monastic life.

The background for this rule is connected with actual situations in the Sangha community during the Buddha’s time. As Buddhism developed, the Sangha needed clear rules concerning the use of communal property and personal objects, in order to prevent misuse and disputes and to create conditions for monastics to focus on practicing the Dharma. The rule concerning padded cloth or upholstery (tūlonaddha) is a concrete example within this comprehensive Vinaya system.

Main Content

The Tūlonaddha rule regulates the use of padding, cushions, or mats in the daily life of monks and nuns. Specifically, the rule identifies:

Standards concerning material and size: Cushions used in the Sangha must observe certain standards regarding thickness and luxury. If they are too luxurious or refined, this may violate the principle of modesty and simplicity.

Regulations concerning use: Bhikkhunīs or bhikkhus should not use overly luxurious cushions, because this is contrary to the Buddhist spirit of renunciation. A monastic should use only those items necessary for health and basic comfort, so as to be able to focus on meditation and study of the Dharma.

Communal character: If the cushion is communal property of the Sangha, it must not be privately appropriated or used exclusively beyond one’s proper share.

This rule reflects the principle of balance in Theravāda Buddhism: not practicing self-mortification, meaning not causing oneself suffering through excessive asceticism, but also not accepting excessive indulgence in luxury.

Practical Meaning

The Tūlonaddha rule has a deep meaning beyond the use of cushions.