Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 90Lying Down
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sayana
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Sayana Sutta (Lying Down) - Exposition
Background
The Sayana Sutta (Lying Down) is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, recorded in the Pāli Canon. These are detailed regulations concerning the ethical conduct of those who have gone forth, especially bhikkhunīs, women who have gone forth, and bhikkhus, men who have gone forth.
The background of this sutta arises from the need to manage the monastic community after Buddhism developed. As the Sangha expanded, issues of daily life needed to be clearly regulated in order to protect the purity of communal practice and preserve respect from the lay community. The matter of "lying down" (sayana), though seemingly simple, is closely related to factors such as beds, robes, shared living space, and behaviors that may give rise to suspicion.
This sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka because it is part of the Pātimokkha, the code of precepts, including 227 rules for monks, where prohibited actions or matters requiring admonition in monastic life are prescribed.
Main Content
The Sayana Sutta sets forth rules concerning the manner of lying down and related conduct in the monastic environment. Specifically, it refers to the fact that a monk should not lie on beds that are excessively high, or use luxurious objects not permitted by the law of the Sangha.
This rule is not unreasonable but has profound purposes. First, it is intended to prevent craving for material comfort, which is a great obstacle to practice. Second, it helps maintain the purity of the Sangha's property, because luxurious objects easily lead to suspicion and loss of faith from the lay community. Third, these regulations create equality and kindness among monastics: everyone lives simply, without difference in material comfort.
This sutta also implies that the posture of lying down reflects the state of mind. A monastic practicing for awakening should not bind himself or herself to overly comfortable habits, because this leads to indulgence and the loss of moral shame and diligence.
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