The Precept of Not Sitting on High, Grand Beds among the Eight Precepts of Fasting

Original text of the Ekottarika Āgama, Volume 16, Gaochuang Chapter (The Chapter of the High Banner):如阿罗汉。恒不在高广之床上坐。所谓高广之床。金银象牙之床或角床。佛座。辟支佛座。阿罗汉座。诸尊师座。是时。阿罗汉不在此八种座。我亦上坐不犯此坐。

Explanation: Like an arhat, one should never sit on a high and spacious bed. The so-called high and spacious beds refer to precious beds made of gold, silver, or ivory, or beds made of animal horns, or the seats on which a Buddha sits, the seats on which a pratyekabuddha sits, the seats on which an arhat sits, and the seats on which various venerable teachers sit. Arhats do not sit on these eight kinds of seats, and I too do not sit on them, not violating this rule.

Why should one not sit on these beds? First, because one's own status is not noble or eminent, sitting on them would be untimely, unfitting one's status, and an overstepping of one's position. Second, it would increase one's pride. Third, it would consume and deplete one's own merit. In daily life, in other matters as well, one should constantly and everywhere consider things in this way: do not overstep one's position, do not wastefully deplete one's own merit, do not increase one's own pride; whatever one does should be fitting, suitable to one's status, circumstances, and blessings.

A high and spacious bed mainly refers to the preciousness and luxury of the bed or seat, not to its size. Sitting in a precious and luxurious place represents a greedy mind that seeks enjoyment and pursues wealth and honor, which will give rise to self-view and pride, and is not conducive to cultivating the Path. The seats on which noble ones sit also count as high and spacious beds, displaying the nobility of the noble ones. No matter how crude these beds and seats may be, ordinary beings should not sit on them; it does not accord with their own status, it increases pride, and it is also a sign of disrespect toward the noble ones. Laypeople should also not casually sit on the beds and seats of monastics, and should not lightly enter their dwellings; one should maintain a sense of distance, which represents a reverent mind and respect. Constantly revering and respecting the Three Jewels and revering the four kinds of noble ones will generate immeasurable merit. Conversely, if one is not reverent and not respectful, one will deplete immeasurable merit. Without merit, how can one cultivate the Path and attain the Way?