Lzh Mu Bu Vb Pc 85Beds and Benches
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mañcapīṭha
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Explanation of the Mañcapīṭha Sutta (Beds and Benches)
Background
The Mañcapīṭha Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically the Pātimokkha of monks and nuns. It is part of the detailed regulations concerning the way monastics live, dwell, and conduct themselves within the Sangha community. This sutta arose in the context of the Buddha and his disciples living in monastic residences, when the community needed clear guidance regarding allowable possessions and furnishings.
These regulations are not arbitrary prohibitions, but arose from concrete situations. When a novice was greedy, or when a monastic was accustomed to luxurious living with costly beds and fine benches, the Buddha declared rules to preserve the austere and liberating spirit of the Sangha.
Main Content
The Mañcapīṭha Sutta prescribes the kinds of beds and benches that a bhikkhu is permitted to use. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, these objects are divided into two kinds: those permitted to be owned and those prohibited.
A monastic is permitted to use simple beds and benches that are not splendid. Specifically, a mañca (bed) or pīṭha (bench) must not be too high, must not have excessively long legs, and must not be decorated with feathers or precious materials. Beds or seats must not be stuffed with camel hair, goat hair, mouse hair, bird feathers, or other luxurious materials.
The rule forbids beds with legs higher than eight fingerbreadths (aṭṭhāṅgula), and benches must also observe the same standard. Excessively luxurious objects are considered violations of the Pātimokkha, resulting in a Pācittiya offense, an offense requiring confession.
These regulations arise from a basic principle: a bhikkhu should possess only what is necessary for survival and practice. Beds and benches are essential implements, but they should not become means of nourishing greed or sensory enjoyment.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.