San Mg Bu Pm Sk 51Low Seats

Nīcāsana Sutta (Low Seats)

Background

The Nīcāsana Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, in the Saṅghādisesa section, and is one of the important disciplinary rules for monks and nuns in the early Buddhist organization. This sutta is presented within the historical context of the Buddha and his disciples dwelling in vihāras, monasteries where bhikkhus and bhikkhunis practiced communal life according to strict standards.

The content of the sutta arises from specific events within the community of monks and nuns, when bhikkhunis did not properly observe the norms of graceful conduct. The Buddha, with immeasurable wisdom and compassion, established provisions in the Vinaya Piṭaka to guide monks and nuns on the path of practice, helping them cultivate a pure mind and upright action.

Main Content

The Nīcāsana Sutta concerns the use of seats and sitting places in monasteries. Specifically, this sutta states that bhikkhunis should not use high seats (ucchāsana) or seats too high in comparison with those reserved for bhikkhus. The use of nīcāsana, low seats or low sitting places, is an expression of humility, respect for order, and restraint from excessive enjoyment of comfort.

This rule is not merely about material objects or furnishings, but reflects a deeper principle in Buddhism: restraining desires for material comfort, avoiding arrogance, and preserving a luminous state of mind. Those who use high seats inappropriately may be considered to have violated the Saṅghādisesa rules, offenses requiring public repentance before the Sangha community.

Practical Meaning

The practical meaning of the Nīcāsana Sutta goes beyond the scope of formal eating and drinking. It teaches renunciant practitioners that humility (nīta-bhāva) is an indispensable factor on the path of practice.