Xct Mu Bu Pm Np 15A Sitting-Blanket

Explanation of the Nisīdanasanthata Discourse (The Sitting Cloth)

Background

The Nisīdanasanthata discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically within the body of regulations concerning the equipment used by bhikkhus. In the Vinaya Piṭaka, matters that may seem small, such as a sitting cloth, contain profound meaning concerning discipline, frugality, and the practice of simple living.

The foundation of the Vinaya Piṭaka is the rules established by the Blessed Buddha when specific situations arose within the Sangha. They did not come from arbitrariness, but from the necessity of managing a community of practitioners. The Nisīdanasanthata discourse concerns the management of the sitting cloth (nisīdana or santhata), one of the basic requisites that a bhikkhu is required to possess according to the rule. This sitting cloth is used for sitting in meditation, listening to the Dharma, or carrying out activities of practice.

The choice of this subject reflects the Theravāda philosophy: every aspect of life, even material requisites, can become a means of practice if used with mindfulness and in accordance with the Dharma.

Main Content

The discourse regulates the kind of sitting cloth that bhikkhus are permitted to possess and use. Specifically, the Vinaya Piṭaka emphasizes that the sitting cloth must accord with the nature of a bhikkhu’s practice: it must not be too luxurious, nor too shabby. This is the principle of the middle way (majjhimā paṭipadā) applied to every aspect of life.

The sitting cloth is considered one of the five indispensable requisites of a bhikkhu (together with the robe, belt, almsbowl, and filtered water). Possessing a suitable sitting cloth helps a bhikkhu have the conditions to sit in meditation without being distracted by uncomfortable material circumstances. However, if the sitting cloth is too luxurious or splendidly decorated, it becomes an obstacle to practice, stirring up the mind of desire.