Xct Mu Bi Pm Pc 70Sitting Mats

THE DISCOURSE ON SITTING MATS (NISĪDANA)

Context

The Nisīdana discourse, concerning the sitting mat, is a disciplinary rule belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka, recorded in the Pātimokkha collections of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This rule arose from a specific event during the training of the early Sangha, when the bhikkhus did not yet have clear guidance concerning the minimal requisites needed for communal life.

In the time of the Buddha Śākyamuni, bhikkhus often used mats or pads for sitting and resting. However, because there was no uniform regulation, some bhikkhus abused this by possessing too many sitting mats or pads of excessive refinement, beyond actual need. This conduct was contrary to the spirit of humility and non-attachment in Buddhism, especially the renunciation of material pleasures.

On this occasion, the Buddha issued the rule concerning sitting mats (Nisīdana Pācittiya), in order to define clearly the number, material, and manner of using a mat suitable to the disciplined life of a true bhikkhu.

Main Content

The Nisīdana rule in the Pātimokkha stipulates that a bhikkhu is permitted to possess one mat or sitting mat (nisīdana) appropriate for the purpose of practice. This mat is regarded as one of the basic requisites needed to support meditation practice (bhāvanā) and communal life in the Sangha.

This mat should not be too refined, should not be used for display or competition, but must be made of simple material and serve a practical purpose. If a bhikkhu possesses additional mats beyond need, or mats made of material too fine in comparison with the prescribed standard, he commits a Pācittiya offense - a fault that defiles less than grave offenses, but still requires confession and restoration.