Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Pc 86Upholstery
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tūlonaddha
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Explanation of the Tūlonaddha Sutta (Discourse on Cotton Padding)
Background
The Tūlonaddha Sutta belongs to the Pācittiya collection in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. These are detailed ethical training rules for monks and nuns, intended to regulate actions in daily life. The word “tūlonaddha” means “cotton padding” or “soft cushioning material,” referring to objects used for padding and lining in daily use.
According to the Theravāda tradition, these regulations were laid down by Buddha Śākyamuni during the rains retreat (vassa) at Sāvatthī, after Venerable Gotamī and the bhikkhunīs reported situations of misuse or improper use of such materials. The purpose was not to restrict comfort, but to train in moral discipline, the proper foundation of the noble path.
Main Content
The discourse states that bhikkhus should not use types of cotton padding that are too thick, too soft, or too luxurious. This includes mattresses, pillows, and mats made of high-quality materials such as soft cotton, the fur of rare animals, or finely crafted furnishings intended to serve sensual satisfaction.
Specifically, if a bhikkhu uses such materials without an objective reason, for example illness or the weakness of old age where permission is granted, he commits a Pācittiya offense, a violation of discipline requiring confession before the assembly (pabbajjaniya). This attitude is not aimed at living in barrenness, but at preventing greed (lobha) and craving (abhijjhā) for pleasures of the sensory realm.
The discourse also notes that monastics who are ill or elderly may be permitted to use better materials than usual, provided they do not exceed what is necessary. This principle reflects the flexibility of the Buddha-Dharma: it is not rigid, yet still preserves the spirit of moral discipline.
Practical Meaning
The rule concerning cotton padding may appear very minor at first glance, but it carries deep implications.
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