Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 69Upholstery

DISCOURSE EXPLAINING THE CONTEMPLATION OF TŪLONADDHA

On the Use of Cotton Felt Cloth

Background

In the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, the Pātimokkha (Pāli: Pāṭimokkha) gives detailed regulations for the disciplined conduct of the monastic community. The Tūlonaddha Sutta belongs to the Pācittiya class of rules, offenses lighter than Saṅghādisesa but still requiring public disclosure and confession before the Saṅgha. This section is recorded in legal analyses (Vinicchaya) and detailed procedural texts of the Theravāda schools.

The historical formation of this rule arose from concrete situations in the monastic community during the Buddha’s time. Tūlonaddha means "covered with cotton felt cloth" or "using padding cloth," referring to a practical issue concerning how monastic requisites are handled and the differences in the proper manner of their use.

Main Content

This discourse concerns the rule about monastics using cotton felt cloth to cover or pad personal items, especially robes and storage property. The rule states that, in certain cases, if monastics abuse or use cotton felt cloth beyond the prescribed limit without a legitimate reason according to the Dharma, they commit a Pācittiya offense.

Specifically, the prohibition is not against all use of cotton felt cloth, but against use that is not in accord with the simple spirit of practice of the noble monastic community. Excessive decoration, using rare or highly valuable cloth to display luxury, or concealing personal property beyond what is permitted are all regarded as acts of greed and deviations from the pure path.

This rule reflects fundamental principles of the Vinaya: perseverance in simplicity (appicchātā) and contentment (santuṭṭhitā). Each monastic is clearly regulated as to the number of robes, blankets, pillows, and other requisites that may be possessed. Cotton felt cloth is to be used only for practical purposes, such as protection, warmth, and preservation, not for self-satisfaction or display.