Lzh Mu Bu Pm Pc 86Upholstery

Sutta on Cloth Mats (Tūlonaddha)

Background

This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha. The Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition is not merely a set of dry prohibitions, but also reflects real situations that arose in the early Sangha community when the Buddha and his disciples were alive.

The Tūlonaddha Sutta concerns the issue of monastic requisites, specifically cloth mats or cushions used in meditation and in the daily life of bhikkhus. In the context of ancient India, these objects served not only practical purposes but also raised the question: how much property should a bhikkhu possess, and what boundary is appropriate in pursuing the diligent life of practice?

Main Content

This discourse records regulations on how bhikkhus use and manage woven cloths, especially mats used for sitting meditation or spread upon a bed. These provisions arose from specific cases that the Buddha witnessed or that were reported by bhikkhus.

In the spirit of the Vinaya Piṭaka, objects such as cloth mats are not completely prohibited, but must be used clearly, without excessive luxury or attachment. This regulation is intended to prevent the formation of craving (lobha) and habits of clinging to material things.

A subtle issue considered is: when does an object become “excessive” (aticchanna)? The Buddha instructed that bhikkhus should keep what is necessary for practice, while avoiding excessive accumulation. This discourse may also relate to questions of repairing, reusing, and handling old objects according to the proper procedure of the Sangha community.

Meaning for Practice

The Tūlonaddha Sutta does not speak only of specific objects, but also symbolizes a deep principle in Buddhist practice: restraint and wisdom in use.