Bi Pc 111111. Not putting away bedding

Seyyasanthārana (Bi Pc 111)

Not Putting Away Bedding

Background

The Seyyasanthārana belongs to the Pātimokkha — the code of training rules for bhikkhunīs (nuns) in the Theravāda tradition. It is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga.

The context in which this rule arose concerns the management of communal property belonging to the Saṅgha. Dwellings and monasteries belonging to the Saṅgha community were built to serve as residences and places of practice for female renunciants. Beds and bedding within these dwellings also constitute communal property. The problem arose when certain bhikkhunīs, either through forgetfulness or intentionally, failed to put away bedding after use, causing disorder and inconvenience for other practitioners.

The Buddha established this rule in order to protect the communal property of the Saṅgha, to maintain discipline within the community of practice, and to guide bhikkhunīs in cultivating proper conduct even in the smallest matters.

Main Content

The content of Bi Pc 111 stipulates: "Whatever bhikkhunī leaves bedding (seyyasanthārana) in any dwelling belonging to the communal property of the Saṅgha without returning it to its original place, she commits an offense of Pācittiya and must confess it."

The Pāli term seyyasanthārana comprises seyyā (bed, bedding, a sleeping mat) and santhārana (the spreading out, the keeping in order). This encompasses not merely forgetting to put things away, but also doing so intentionally or through drowsiness.

This rule establishes a standard for the care of communal property. Even though bedding may be a simple object, the act of not putting it away reflects a lack of responsibility, a lack of mindfulness, and a failure to respect collective property. Should she leave it thus, the bhikkhunī incurs an offense and must confess (āpatti) before the Saṅgha or before other bhikkhunīs of authority.