Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 164Using High Couches
Pāli / Sanskrit:Āsandiparibhuñjana
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THE SUTTA ON USING HIGH COUCHES (ĀSANDIPARIBHUÑJANA)
Background
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the Pārisuddhi-Vibhaṅga, the analysis of purity, records training rules related to the daily conduct of monks and nuns. The sutta “Using High Couches” is one of the lesser rules, belonging to the Pācittiya class, an offense requiring confession. It was formulated from specific events as the Buddha and the Sangha traveled and lived in different regions.
The recorded event is that the Buddha saw some bhikkhus using high, luxurious couches with long legs, large cushions, and sack-like blankets (yaṭṭhikā), causing disturbance to other bhikkhus. This conduct violated the spirit of humility and restraint from luxury in the Buddha’s teaching.
Main Content
This rule forbids male bhikkhus from using couches that exceed a certain length and are higher than the permitted standard. Specifically, a couch must not be longer than eight cubits, nearly three meters, and must not be higher than three handbreadths once padded (ussada).
The prohibited details include couches with legs of gold, silver, or precious materials; large pillows made of soft materials; and elaborate sack-like blankets (yaṭṭhikā). All these items are regarded as signs of desire for comfort and luxury.
If a bhikkhu uses such high couches, he commits a Pācittiya offense. This offense must be confessed before another bhikkhu in the community. It is not a Saṅghādisesa offense, but a simple Pācittiya. The content of this rule concerns not only material objects but also the attitude of mind: restraining desire and maintaining a spirit of humility.
Practical Meaning
The rule on couches is not an arbitrary prohibition. It is a concrete expression of the training precepts and especially of non-greed (alobha-virāga).
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