Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 88Low Seats

Sutta on Low Seats

Context

The Sutta on Low Seats (Nīcāsana) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early tradition, in the section of explanations concerning rules for monks and nuns. This is an important part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection of regulations governing the religious life within the Sangha.

According to the traditional context, the Buddha observed that within his monastic community there were problems related to pride and arrogance. Some new entrants, because of beauty or a naturally self-satisfied manner, did not know how to respect their seniors. In particular, they refused to sit in lowly places and always tried to find high seats in order to display superiority. This matter affected harmony in the Sangha. Therefore, the Buddha established a rule concerning the choice of seats, in order to nurture humility within the Sangha.

Main Content

Nīcāsana, meaning “low seat,” is an instruction on humility in daily life. The text states that bhikkhunīs or bhikkhus should choose seats in low and modest places, and should not seek high, prominent seats. This is not merely a material matter, but an expression of one’s inner disposition.

According to the Vinaya, deliberately choosing a high seat is an act that violates a humble disposition (maddavahāritā), a core quality in the path of the bhikkhu. The rule states that, when gathering or listening to the Dharma, monastics should lower themselves and leave high seats for those more worthy, senior monks, monastics of experience and meditative strength. This establishes a communal culture in which respect and common welfare are placed above personal gratification.

In addition, this instruction is closely related to the concept of Khommattavattā, equality within the community. Although each monastic may differ in seniority, in the spirit of the Sangha no one is permitted to develop pride through the appropriation of small material privileges such as a higher seat.