There is no offense: if she sees it while remaining in a monastery; if she sees it while coming or going; if she goes when there is something to be done and then sees it; if there is an emergency; if she is insane; if she is the first offender. The first training rule is finished.

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law The Nuns’ Analysis The chapter on offenses entailing confession The subchapter on galleries Using luxurious furniture

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