Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 65Upholstery
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tūlonaddha
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The Tūlonaddha Sutta: An Explanation of the Matter of Stuffed Cushions
Background
The Tūlonaddha Sutta (Upholstery/Stuffed Cushions) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically within the Pātimokkha Samvara — the code of training rules for bhikkhus. The circumstances from which this text arose relate to regulations concerning objects used in daily life within the monastic community.
The Buddha established the training rules not to impose constraint, but to preserve purity of mind, and to guard against exploitation and the extremes of luxury. The Tūlonaddha Sutta originated from a specific incident in which bhikkhus made use of excessively luxurious articles, in particular mattresses or cushions stuffed (naddha) with wool or cotton, thereby transgressing the principle of austere simplicity.
Principal Content
The regulation contained in this sutta relates directly to the use of stuffed (naddha) articles such as mattresses and pillows filled with soft materials, including cotton, wool, or other natural fibers. The Buddha issued a prohibition against bhikkhus making use of such articles when these exceeded the level of simplicity appropriate to the monastic life.
Specifically, the sutta stipulates that mattresses or sleeping cushions must not be made from materials that are excessively luxurious or excessively thick. If such articles are used, bhikkhus must adhere to certain standards: the dimensions, materials, and manner of use must be fitting for the life of practice. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that monastics do not become submerged in material comfort, thereby giving rise to laziness and the deterioration of diligence (viriya).
It is important to note that this rule does not absolutely prohibit the use of articles necessary for health and sleep. The Buddha recognized that monastics require certain minimum conditions in order to maintain their physical health, so that they may continue to practice effectively. However, the boundary between "necessary" and "luxurious" must be clearly defined through accurate understanding.
Practical Significance
The Tūlonaddha Sutta reflects the principle of balance (samā Nikāya) in Theravāda Buddhism.
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