Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 38Clasping Knees
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pallatthika
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Pallatthika Sutra - The Seat-Like Posture
Background
The Pallatthika Sutra, referring to a seat-like or drawn-up-leg posture, is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the analysis of the rules for nuns. This sutra appears in the context of the Buddha issuing precepts to govern the behavior of nuns in the Sangha, in order to preserve discipline, decorum, and purity in the community of practice.
In the early days of building the Sangha, the Buddha had to intervene directly in specific behavioral issues among disciples when they violated social norms or caused misunderstandings among devotees. The seat-like posture, that is, sitting with the legs drawn up and the knees raised, was considered an impolite gesture that could undermine dignity or suggest inappropriate associations in the public life of nuns.
Main Content
The sutra states that nuns should not use the seat-like posture (Pallatthika), that is, drawing up the legs and raising both knees, when sitting in public contexts or within the community. This action is considered lacking in refinement and unsuitable to the image of a Buddhist renunciant.
This rule belongs to the Sekhiya Dhamma, the rules of conduct, which are requirements concerning proper behavior, gestures, and attitude in the community of practice. Unlike grave offenses, such as killing or stealing, violations of the sekhiya are minor lapses in behavioral discipline, but they remain important because they affect others' faith in the Sangha.
The reason for issuing this rule was to protect the honor of the Sangha and ensure that nuns always maintain a dignified and calm appearance. A nun who uses an undignified posture may distort wholesome merit (kusala), lose the respect of devotees and society, and thereby weaken the teaching influence of the Buddha Dharma.
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