Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 15Leaving Bedding Outside

Discourse on Leaving Mats Outdoors (Seyyasanthārana)

Background

This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the early Buddhist tradition, specifically the Pātimokkha of the bhikkhus. The Vinaya Piṭaka was established to protect the purity of the Sangha and to build a firm ethical foundation for practitioners.

In the time of the Buddha, bhikkhus lived in very simple conditions, often resting on mats or makeshift beds in monasteries. However, lodging was not always available, and some monastics might leave sleeping requisites, such as seats and mats, outside. This sometimes led to carelessness, or to property being lost. Therefore, the Buddha laid down this training rule to regulate the handling of sleeping requisites, cultivating carefulness, wakefulness, and responsibility among bhikkhus.

Main Content

The Seyyasanthārana Discourse states that bhikkhus should not carelessly leave sleeping requisites, such as mats (seyya), cushions (aniruddha), or bed coverings outside their dwelling. If they are left for a long time without being managed, these items may be damaged, become damp or moldy, or be stolen.

This training rule does not absolutely prohibit leaving such items outdoors, for example to air them in the sun or dry them. However, it must be done mindfully, with a plan, and one must remember to retrieve them in time. In other words, this is a rule about initiative and responsibility, not letting temporary items be forgotten or left in a careless condition.

If any bhikkhu leaves these requisites outside without attending to them, or completely forgets to retrieve them, this is a Pācittiya offense, a lighter rule than Pārājika. However, if it is due to forgetfulness and he retrieves them in time, or if he leaves them to dry in the sun with clear awareness, there is no offense.

Practical Meaning

This discourse teaches us three important points about managing property and carefulness.