Upp Sk 58Low Seats

The Sutta on Low Seats (Nīcāsana)

Background

The Nīcāsana Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the section of discipline for nuns recorded in the Pāli Theravāda tradition. The background of this sutta arose from an event in the Buddha’s time, when nuns lacked understanding of rules related to conduct and attitude in the life of practice.

The Vinaya Piṭaka in general is not a body of teachings on meditation or cause and effect as in the Sutta Piṭaka, but a set of regulations concerning discipline, ethical action, and the organization of the Sangha. The Nīcāsana Sutta specifically addresses the matter of seats or lowly postures in certain circumstances, reflecting a humble and respectful way of life within the community of monks and nuns.

This is an important rule because it is directly related to the practice of diligence and humility, two core qualities in early Buddhism.

Main Content

The Nīcāsana Sutta prescribes that nuns (bhikkhunīs) must pay attention to the seats they choose. In particular, they should not occupy honored seats or seats reserved for bhikkhus, nor should they sit on seats higher than those of elders or monastics of long-standing merit in the lineage.

The basic principle is that nuns should choose low seats—the word “nīcāsana” comes from “nīca” (low, humble) and “āsana” (seat)—as an expression of humility and respect for order within the community. This is not only a material rule but also an expression of spirit.

This rule was established to prevent the loss of humility and to protect harmony in the Sangha. When a nun takes a high seat for herself, it creates discord and may stir up comparison and ambition, which are contrary to the spirit of Buddhist practice. Therefore, choosing low seats is a form of self-discipline, a way of practicing meditation in daily life.