Ka Bu Pm Pc 87Sitting Mats

Nisīdana Rule (Sitting Mat)

Context

The Nisīdana rule belongs to the Patimokkha Sutta of the Theravada Vinaya tradition, specifically in the Pacittiya section, the offenses requiring confession. These are detailed regulations for the life of practice of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, intended to educate them in noble conduct.

In the time of the Buddha Gotama, the monastic community was always taught carefulness in the most ordinary details of the life of practice. These regulations are not meaningless restraints, but forms of mental cultivation that help practitioners sustain vigilance and effort. The rule concerning the nisīdana, a sitting mat or seat, clearly reflects this philosophy.

In the context of the early community of practice, bhikkhus and bhikkhunis needed to maintain purity not only of body and speech, but also of mind. Details ranging from how to sit, how to use objects, and how to interact with one another were all carefully considered.

Main Content

The Nisīdana rule regulates the use of sitting mats and related items in the monastery. These rules include the requirement that items used for sitting be appropriate to the monastic robe and not be overly abundant or luxurious. Specifically, a bhikkhu or bhikkhuni should not use seats or sitting mats that are too high, too broad, or elaborately decorated, because this could lead to a self-displaying mind and the fault of pride.

According to the rule, a standard seat for a bhikkhu should not be more than eight finger-breadths high from the ground. This relates not only to humility but also to the distinction between the life of practice and lay life. A practitioner must always remember that they have given up the useless comforts of the world.

These regulations also reflect the principle of avoiding distinction within the community, keeping all members living equally and without a tendency to accumulate unlimited personal possessions.