Lzh Dg Bu Pm Sk 89Low Seats

Nīcāsana Discourse (Low Seats)

Background

The Nīcāsana discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, reflecting one important aspect of Sangha discipline. The Vinaya was compiled after the Buddha Śākyamuni entered nirvana, based on the rules he had established throughout his ministry. The content concerning low seats appears in the context of the Sangha discussing standards of discipline (vinaya) in order to maintain the purity of the Sangha.

This discourse is directly related to restrictions on dwelling places and sitting postures of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. These are not arbitrary rules, but are drawn from experience in managing the community of practice and protecting the concentrated minds of monastics from disturbing factors.

Main Content

The Nīcāsana discourse states that bhikkhus are not to sit on high chairs or seats exceeding a certain standard. Specifically, the height of seats and beds must follow limitations intended to encourage humility and avoid luxurious habits.

According to this rule, a chair or bed must not exceed a certain measure of height, often stated as not more than two spans, about four finger-breadths. If it exceeds this standard, the object is considered a violation of the Vinaya.

The reason behind this rule is profound. The Buddha-Dharma emphasizes that luxury and excessive comfort obscure the spiritual life and create conditions for craving to develop. By limiting everyday objects, bhikkhus are continually reminded of the impermanent nature of all things and the lack of necessity for excessive comfort.

This rule also has symbolic meaning: it expresses humility before the Dharma and before senior members of the Sangha. A low seat is regarded as an expression of respect and readiness to receive instruction.

Practical Meaning

Although this rule was initially applied specifically to the monastic community, its meaning goes beyond that narrow framework.