Xct Mu Bi Pm Pc 69Upholstery

The Tūlonaddha Discourse (Upholstery) — Explanation

Context

The Tūlonaddha discourse (original material: Tūlonaddha Pācittiya 69) appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Pācittiya section, the code concerning lesser offenses that a bhikkhu must confess and restrain.

The context arose from a historical incident in which bhikkhus in the Buddha’s time used unsuitable materials to make mattresses, pillows, or coverings in monastic rooms. In particular, the use of luxurious cotton or fine fiber (tūla - cotton or linen) was regarded as touching upon material indulgence beyond what was necessary, contrary to the simple way of life a bhikkhu should observe. The Buddha established this rule to protect the purity of the life of practice and guard against hidden sensual desire.

This rule belongs to the Pācittiya collection, offenses that the bhikkhu must confess himself before the Sangha, showing the importance of awakening and self-control.

Main Content

According to Tūlonaddha Pācittiya 69, a bhikkhu must not use padding or coverings made from fine cotton, especially luxurious kinds intended for wealthy laypeople. If a bhikkhu owns or uses such things, he has committed a Pācittiya offense - a fault that must be openly relinquished and corrected under the instruction of the Sangha.

The core of this rule is not the rejection of all comfort, but the prevention of softness and dependence on luxurious objects. A bhikkhu is permitted to use basic bedding and mats made from simple materials such as grass, straw, or coarse cloth to support the body in practice, but must not move toward refined materials whose only purpose is the satisfaction of desire.

The rule also reflects an important principle in Theravāda Buddhism: abandoning useless sensual pleasures (kāmavitakka) is the first step on the path of meditation and practice.