San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Sk 92Low Seats

Exposition of the Nīcāsana Sutta (Low Seats)

Background

The Nīcāsana Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the body of rules governing the daily life of monks and nuns. This sutta reflects rules related to equipment used in the monastic community, specifically chairs, supports, or sitting places of various low heights.

In the context of early Buddhism, bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs lived suspended between moderate asceticism and the practical realities of life. The Buddha did not require zealous self-mortification, but he also forbade indulgence in excessive comforts that give rise to craving. The rule concerning kinds of seats (nīcāsana) and supports (āsana) is a means for cultivating mindfulness, avoiding illusion, and maintaining simplicity in practice.

Main Content

The Nīcāsana Sutta regulates the kinds of chairs, backrests, and sitting places that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs may use. Specifically, the sutta distinguishes between low seats, which are permitted for convenience in sitting meditation and studying the Dharma, and high, luxurious seats, which are regarded as expressions of greedy fruit. The purpose of these rules is to preserve the spirit of the life of practice in the Sangha community.

The Buddha especially warns that using objects that are too noble, elaborately decorated, or made of rare materials will cause the mind to deteriorate and weaken concentration. Seats that are too high may lead to a state of conceit, looking down on others, or the rebirth of ambition on the path. Therefore, simple low seats are regarded as suitable means that help monastics preserve a mind of equality, distinction, and diligence.

The sutta also sets out exceptions, for example, the elderly or the sick may use higher seats for the sake of health, because Buddhism does not wish to torture the body, but only to restrain the agitated mind. This is a wise balance between discipline and compassion.