Lzh Mu Bu Vb Np 11Silk Blanket
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kosiya
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THE SUTTA ON THE SILK CURTAIN (KOSIYA)
Background
The Kosiya Sutta appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha Nuns’ Rules (Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha), focusing on the rules of practice for bhikkhunis. The background of this sutta is recorded when the Buddha and his female disciples were residing in monasteries within the community of monks and nuns.
The issue arose from some bhikkhunis using valuable silk screens or curtains to decorate or protect their living areas. These luxurious items reflected a violation of the spirit of austerity, for monastics should maintain simplicity and stay away from objects of sensual desire. Seeing this situation, the Buddha gave clear guidance to maintain discipline and unity in the Sangha.
Main Content
In the Kosiya Sutta, the Buddha determines that bhikkhunis may not use screens or curtains made of silk to cover windows or private spaces. Silk is regarded as a precious object, connected with luxury and worldly desire, and this is not in accord with the spirit of solitary practice and renunciation.
This rule not only prohibits the use of silk, but also includes a broader principle: the objects used in the life of the Sangha must accord with the spirit of practice. Instead, the Buddha instructs that bhikkhunis may use simple materials such as cotton cloth, coarse hemp cloth, or other ordinary materials to meet practical needs without falling into adornment or luxury.
This regulation is part of the effort to maintain discipline in the Sangha, ensuring that bhikkhus are not drawn in by things that distract the mind or stimulate impurities such as greed, hatred, and delusion. This is a mechanism of practice that balances the provision of necessary requisites for bhikkhus (almsfood, robes, lodging, medicine) with the prevention of lingering attachment to sensual desire.
Practical Meaning
The Kosiya Sutta teaches us a profound lesson about flexibility in renunciation.
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