San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Pc 87Sitting Mats
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nisīdana
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The Nisīdana Sutta (Sitting Mat)
Background
The Nisīdana sutta belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravada tradition and is part of the Sutta Vibhaṅga in the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha. These are detailed regulations on Sangha discipline related to requisites for practice, especially the sitting mat (nisīdana) that bhikkhus use in meditation and daily Dharma practice.
In the historical context, the Buddha Gotama established these regulations in order to protect the purity and communal discipline of the Sangha of monks and nuns, and to avoid disputes over shared property. The regulation concerning sitting mats is not only a practical matter, but also carries deeper ethical meaning concerning respect for the common property of the Sangha community. This text was recorded so that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs would clearly understand the boundary between what is lawful and unlawful in the use, making, and management of necessary items for practice.
Main Content
The Nisīdana sutta addresses specific regulations concerning sitting mats — pieces of cloth, leather, or other materials that bhikkhus use when sitting in meditation or attending Dharma assemblies. The specific content of this sutta has not been fully translated in the present context; however, according to the general regulations of the Theravada Vinaya Pitaka, prohibitions related to the nisīdana often revolve around the following points:
First, regulations concerning the material and size of sitting mats permitted for use, in order to avoid luxury and craving. A bhikkhu may not use items that are too refined or luxurious, because this is contrary to the humble spirit of renunciation.
Second, the text also clearly regulates ownership. Communal items must not be appropriated for personal use, and personal items must not be used abusively in a way that causes waste or destroys Sangha property.
Third, these regulations aim to maintain equality and fairness in the community. Every bhikkhu has equal right to use common property, and no one is permitted to monopolize or discriminate.
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