Lzh Mu Bu Vb Pc 86Upholstery
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tūlonaddha
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Explanation of the Tūlonaddha Sutta (Upholstery)
Background
The Tūlonaddha Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the list of basic disciplinary rules that every monk and nun must practice. This sutta arose from a specific situation in the early monastic community while the Buddha was still alive.
In the Buddha’s time, monks and nuns concerned with bodily comfort used soft materials such as cotton padding and cloth cushions to cover everyday objects. This led to the misuse of luxurious items, contrary to the spirit of humility and purity in practice. On this occasion, the Buddha gave detailed regulations concerning the use of padded materials (tūlonaddha) to guide the monastics back to the serious path of practice.
Main Content
The Tūlonaddha Sutta prescribes that monks and nuns must not use mattresses or padding thicker than necessary for reasonable comfort. The prohibition is not against the use of cotton or padded cloth entirely, but against abusing them for the purpose of seeking bodily pleasure.
According to the rule, a monastic is permitted to use padding materials of appropriate thickness, serving the purpose of basic health. If this limit is exceeded, the monastic violates a Pācittiya offense, a fault to be declared or confessed. This is intended to protect nuns from craving for bodily comfort.
This rule is also related to other objects such as sleeping mats (mañcaka), cushioned seats, and pads used in daily life. The Buddha established specific standards regarding size, quality, and manner of use so that all monastics would follow the same standard.
Practical Meaning
The Tūlonaddha Sutta is not an absolute prohibition of comfort, but a lesson in restraint and warning.
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