Lzh Mi Bu Vb Pc 84Upholstery

EXPLANATION OF THE TŪLONADDHA TEXT (THE MATTER OF UPHOLSTERY)

Background

The Tūlonaddha text, the matter of upholstery, is recorded in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga of the Vinaya Piṭaka, belonging to the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This Vinaya records the training rules established by the Buddha for bhikkhunīs in order to maintain discipline, manage the community of practice, and protect respect for the Buddhist Sangha.

Tūlonaddha concerns the use of padding materials (tūla), chiefly cotton or fibers used for making cushions, clothing, or requisites for practice. This text deals with specific situations involving padding, sewing, or repairing items with padding, and possible violations in that process. It is part of the Pācittiya rules, offenses requiring confession, that is, violations lighter than Pārājika, which bring defeat, but still requiring confession before the Sangha.

The legal background of this rule reflects the practical needs of the early monastic community: managing common property, ensuring that there is no waste, and instructing monastics in moderation in the use of material things. It also expresses the Buddha-Dharma's attention to concrete discipline in each daily activity.

Main Content

According to the Pāli Canon tradition, the matter of upholstery concerns cases in which a bhikkhunī uses padding materials, especially cotton, to line or repair requisites for practice, such as bags, clothing, or other items, without following the regulations or beyond the permitted measure.

The text states that the use of padding materials must follow clear principles: they must not be wasted, must not be used luxuriously, and must have formal approval or permission from the Sangha. If a bhikkhunī on her own pads something excessively or beyond the established standard, such as making unnecessary additional layers, this is considered a Pācittiya offense.