Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Sk 88Low Seats

Explanation of the Nīcāsana Sutta (Low Seats)

Background

The Nīcāsana Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Early Buddhist Dharma tradition and is a fundamental part of discipline in the community of those gone forth. This code is recorded in detail in the Pāli Canon versions, in order to regulate conduct related to lodging and the daily requisites of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.

According to tradition, these rules were laid down by the Buddha Gotama as the Sangha developed, when practical problems arose from the communal life of the disciples who had gone forth. The Nīcāsana Sutta specifically revolves around the question of how to use objects and places in the monastery, especially seats or sitting places of different heights. These are not arbitrary regulations, but reflect the teaching on humility (hiri) and self-restraint (ottappa), two basic factors of Buddhist ethics.

Main Content

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the word “nīcāsana” (nīca = low, āsana = seat, dwelling) refers to seats, cushions, or dwelling places whose height is not excessive. This discourse stipulates that bhikkhus should not use seats or dwelling places that are too high, with a height exceeding a certain standard. According to ancient Vinaya commentaries, seats higher than five spans, about 75 cm from the ground, are considered unsuitable for the humble quality of one gone forth.

The reason behind this regulation is very profound. The Buddha taught that using articles or places that are too high is a sign of greed, arrogance, and the habits of those living in the worldly sphere. A bhikkhu should live in simple, humble conditions, in order to maintain mindfulness and avoid sensory stimuli leading to attachment. This is also a direct way to cultivate the qualities of the ariya, the noble ones: removing conceit and teaching equality within the community of practice.