Xct Mu Bu Vb Np 15A Sitting-Blanket
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nisīdanasanthata
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THE DISCOURSE ON THE SITTING MAT (NISĪDANASANTHATA)
Background
This discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Nissaggiya Pācittiya section (offenses requiring relinquishment), within the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma. The rules in this section were established by the Buddha Gotama to regulate the material possessions of the Sangha, especially the personal requisites that bhikkhus may own.
The context in which this discourse arose records a specific event: a bhikkhu possessed a sitting mat (nisīdana), an essential requisite for practice, beyond the permitted standard. When the Buddha was informed of the situation, he laid down a rule to regulate the use and accumulation of this item. This reflects an important principle in the discipline: it does not merely prohibit bad actions, but also guides bhikkhus to live simply and avoid excessive accumulation, so as to maintain a peaceful mind and the spirit of renunciation.
Main Content
The Nisīdanasanthata Sutta regulates the number and quality of sitting mats that a bhikkhu is allowed to possess. This mat is not merely a convenience, but an essential part of the life of training, used for sitting meditation, listening to the Dharma, and daily activities in the monastery.
According to the discipline, a bhikkhu is permitted to keep only one sitting mat, under certain conditions regarding size and material. If he possesses more than the prescribed amount, whether through forgetfulness or intention, he must relinquish the extra mats to the Sangha or to another bhikkhu. Keeping more than the permitted number is considered a Nissaggiya Pācittiya offense, that is, an offense in which the person must acknowledge the fault before the Sangha, relinquish the prohibited item, and confess.
This rule is not unreasonable; it has a deep purpose. It educates bhikkhus in minimizing possessions and avoiding greed and the afflictions connected with hoarding property.
Practical Meaning
The regulation concerning the sitting mat expresses the truth of apariggaha (non-accumulation), one of the foundational principles of the Buddhist path.
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