Xct Mu Bi Sk 85Lying Down
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sayana
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Sayana Discourse (Lying Down)
Context
The Sayana discourse is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha Dharma. The Vinaya Pitaka is the collection that sets out moral training rules and discipline for the community of Buddhist monks and nuns. This discourse concerns the daily actions of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, especially prohibitions in ordinary activities, including lying down.
In the context of the Vinaya, rules on bodily postures such as lying, sitting, and standing are not merely matters of hygiene or comfort. They reflect a profound aspect of Buddhism: the practice of attention and control of the indriya, the faculties. Bhikkhus need to maintain mindfulness (sati) and clear comprehension (sampajañña) at every moment, even when lying down.
The appearance of this discourse shows that the Buddha and the elders in the Sangha community detailed principles of conduct in order to protect the strength of practice and preserve the purity of individuals.
Main Content
The Sayana discourse regulates the proper way for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs to lie down. According to the Theravāda tradition, there are restrictions related to lying posture in order to avoid actions or postures inappropriate to the nature of the monastic life.
Specifically, bhikkhus are encouraged to lie in the “lion’s posture” (sīhasayana), lying on the right side, legs extended, with the hand placed beneath the head. This posture is considered natural, not suggestive of sensual pleasure, and allows one to wake quickly when necessary. Conversely, lying in certain postures is considered unsuitable because they may lead to unwholesome actions or overly deep sleep, hindering practice.
The Vinaya also regulates conditions related to the place of lying down and the preparation of the bed. A bhikkhu should not lie in places that may be enticing or easily gather unfavorable conditions for practice. These rules are not unreasonable restrictions, but measures to protect energy (viriya) and concentration in practice.
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