Upp Np 15A Sitting-Blanket

The Sutta on the Sitting Mat (Nisīdanasanthata)

Context

The Nisīdanasanthata Sutta belongs to the Parivāra section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, which closely examines the rules of discipline (Vinaya) in the Buddhist Sangha. This is a practical legal text, compiled to guide bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in maintaining purity in the life of practice, especially in relation to daily requisites.

In the context of the original Vinaya (Pāli tradition), the sitting mat (nisīdanasanthata) is a basic requisite of the Sangha. It is used for practice, meditation, and daily activities. This discourse was issued to clarify possible faults in the use or management of this article, thereby maintaining purity and order in the Sangha.

Main Content

The Nisīdanasanthata Sutta lays down details concerning how the sitting mat should be used and cared for according to the Vinaya Piṭaka. This article is not merely an ordinary piece of cloth; it also has a meaning connected with practice, reflecting the practitioner’s attitude toward sense-restraint and the vision of non-craving.

According to the original Vinaya Piṭaka, a bhikkhu should possess a sitting mat that conforms to prescribed standards of size, material, and color. The choice of mat should not be too luxurious or ostentatious, but must accord with the spirit of renunciation on the Buddhist path of practice. This discourse also mentions disciplinary violations connected with this article, such as misuse or improper care.

In addition, Nisīdanasanthata also defines the responsibility of bhikkhus to share or lend this mat to other members of the Sangha, in accordance with the principles of community and mutual support. This expresses the spirit of non-greed and the readiness to share the possessions of a Buddhist renunciant.