Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Pc 15Leaving Bedding Outside

Explanation of the Seyyasanthārana Sutta (Leaving Bedding Outside)

Background

The Seyyasanthārana Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the analysis of the rules for women gone forth. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the foundation of the system of communal practice in the Buddhist order, regulating the way monks and nuns live according to principles of discipline (samaya) in order to nurture the mind of the path and protect communal harmony.

Historical formation: the rules in the Vinaya Piṭaka were gradually established by the Buddha Śākyamuni when monks and nuns in the order committed offenses. Each rule has a story (nidāna) explaining the circumstances that gave rise to it. The Seyyasanthārana Sutta concerns leaving beds, blankets, and mattresses outdoors or outside the room, an apparently small matter but one directly related to discipline concerning management of common property and protection of the health of members of the order.

Main Content

The text prescribes that women gone forth are not permitted to leave sleeping materials (seyyā-santhārana, including beds, mattresses, blankets, and pillows) outside for too long without a valid reason. Specifically, if these things are left outdoors or outside the dwelling room, they may deteriorate because of weather, insects, dust, or theft. This violates one of the Pāṭimokkha rules.

This rule belongs to the Pācittiya category, meaning an offense that must be confessed before the Sangha. The deeper reason behind the rule is not only to protect the property of the order, but also to preserve diligence in practice. If women gone forth are too careless or indifferent toward property, this can disturb the mind and distract attention from study of the Dharma (dhamma-chaya) and meditation (samādhi). Moreover, allowing requisites to be damaged reflects a lack of appreciation for the property offered by the four assemblies, devas, humans, animals, and spirits.