Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Nuns’ Analysis

The chapter on offenses entailing confession

The subchapter on pleasure houses

The training rule on using high couches

Origin story

At one time when the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery,

the nuns were using high and luxurious couches.

When people walking about the dwellings saw this, they complained and criticized them,

“How can nuns use high and luxurious couches? They’re just like householders who indulge in worldly pleasures!”

The nuns heard the complaints of those people,

and the nuns of few desires complained and criticized them,

“How can nuns do this?” …

“Is it true, monks, that nuns do this?”

“It’s true, Sir.”

The Buddha rebuked them …

“How can nuns do this?

This will affect people’s confidence …” …

“And, monks, the nuns should recite this training rule like this:

Final ruling

‘If a nun uses a high or luxurious couch, she commits an offense entailing confession.’”

Definitions

A:

whoever …

Nun:

… The nun who has been given the full ordination in unanimity by both Sanghas through a legal procedure consisting of one motion and three announcements that is irreversible and fit to stand—this sort of nun is meant in this case.

A high couch:

one that is oversize is what is meant.

A luxurious couch:

one decorated with images of predatory animals.

Uses:

if she sits down or lies down on it, she commits an offense entailing confession.

Non-offenses

There is no offense:

if she uses a high couch after cutting off the legs;

if she uses a luxurious couch after removing the decorations with images of predatory animals;

if she is insane;

if she is the first offender.

The second training rule is finished.