San Lo Bu Pm Sk 51Low Seats

EXPOSITION OF THE NICASANA SUTTA (LOW SEATS)

Background

The Nicasana Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka in the Theravada tradition, the Pali Canon, specifically within the Sanghadisesa Pacittiya section of the Bhikkhuni Vibhaṅga. It is one of the detailed rules regulating the deportment and conduct of bhikkhunis within the Sangha.

The Vinaya Pitaka was not established by the Buddha from the very beginning, but was set forth gradually on the basis of concrete cases that arose in the life of the Sangha. Each rule has its own occasion of origin (nidana), arising from the unsuitable conduct of one or more renunciants, leading the Blessed One to establish a rule in order to protect the image of the Sangha, create internal harmony, and express the spirit of humility in Buddhism.

The issue of "nicasana" (a low seat, low seating place) concerns the ritual distinction of rank within the Sangha, a basic principle in the Theravada tradition. Priority is determined according to rains seniority (vassa), the number of years of training since full ordination, rather than by age or social status before going forth.

Main Content

The specific content of the Nicasana rule in the Bhikkhuni Vibhaṅga has not yet been fully translated into Vietnamese, but based on the general context of the Vinaya Pitaka and similar rules, this rule concerns the use of low seats in specific circumstances.

In the Pali Canon tradition, the use of a high or low seat is not simply a matter of comfort but relates to the expression of respect and hierarchy within the Sangha. A bhikkhuni of fewer rains is not permitted to sit on a seat higher than that of an elder; this expresses respect for spiritual friends and humility in the holy life.

According to Vinaya principles, when teaching the Dharma or asking questions of one more senior in rains, the junior should choose a lower place to sit, showing a sincere attitude of learning. Conversely, if this principle is not observed, if one sits at the same level as or higher than one who deserves respect, one commits an offense, which depending on the severity may fall under Pacittiya or Dukkata.

This rule also reflects the principle of the "seven principles of respect" (sattapacayāna-dhamma), which the Buddha taught bhikkhunis to practice with special seriousness, including showing respect toward the monks through deportment, speech, and seating position.

Practical Meaning

Although the Nicasana rule was established for bhikkhunis in the specific historical circumstances of ancient India, its basic meaning still has practical value for contemporary practitioners of the Buddha-Dharma.

First, the spirit of humility (nivata) is one of the important virtues on the path of liberation. Choosing a "low seat" is not only an outward act but an inward expression: abandoning conceit, pride, and self-importance.