Xct Mu Bi Sk 86Low Seats

Nīcāsana Discourse — On Low Seats

Context

The Nīcāsana discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga section, where special training rules for Bhikkhunīs (nuns) are set forth. The Vinaya Pitaka is the foundation of Theravāda Buddhist discipline, recording the Buddha’s teachings for the monastic community in order to protect the spirit of practice and maintain harmony in the Sangha.

The discourse on low seats was established by the Buddha in a specific circumstance when he observed corruptions in the behavior of nuns concerning privilege and distinctions of status. This content reflects the Buddha’s deep concern for maintaining unified ethical standards and not allowing arrogance or deeply rooted discrimination in the community of practice.

Main Content

The rule on low seats (Nīcāsana Sikkhapadā) establishes that Bhikkhunīs may not use high seats, decorated seats, or seats with legs ordinarily higher than ten spans, equivalent to about two arm lengths. A high seat (uccāsana) in this context is not only a physical object but also a symbol of self-exaltation, the seeking of material comfort, and unintended signs of arrogance.

The Buddha taught that using low seats is a way to nourish humility (sīla) and reduce tendencies toward self-indulgence. This rule applies equally to all nuns, without distinction of age or position in the community. The main purpose is not to cause hardship for practitioners, but to cut off the roots of ambitions for status and discriminating comfort.

Exceptions are recorded in cases of illness or old age, where the use of a slightly higher seat is allowed to protect health. This shows the flexibility of the Buddha: the rule is not established as an absolute, but depends on a proper understanding of context.