The Precept of Not Sitting on a High and Large Bed in the Eight Precepts

Original text of the Ekottara Āgama, Volume 16, Gaozhuang Chapter (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 never sits on a tall and spacious bed. The so-called tall and spacious bed refers to precious beds made of gold, silver, or ivory, or beds made of animal horns, or the seats on which the Buddha sits, the seats on which pratyekabuddhas sit, the seats on which arhats sit, and the seats on which various venerable teachers sit. Arhats do not sit on these eight kinds of seats, and I also do not sit on these seats, not violating this rule.

Why should one not sit on these beds? First, because one's own status is not noble or distinguished, sitting on them would be untimely, unfitting to one's status, and overstepping 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 aspects as well, one should constantly and everywhere consider things this way: not overstepping one's position, not uselessly depleting one's own merit, not increasing one's own pride; in doing anything, one should act appropriately, fitting one's own status, circumstances, and blessings.

The tall 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 that one has the greedy desire to pursue enjoyment, wealth, and honor, which will give rise to the view of self and pride, and is not conducive to cultivating the Path. The seats on which sages sit also count as tall and spacious beds, displaying the dignity of the sages; no matter how humble these beds and seats may be, ordinary beings should not sit on them, as it does not correspond to their own status and increases pride; this is also disrespectful to the sages. 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 mind of reverence and respect. Constantly revering and respecting the Three Jewels and revering the four kinds of sages 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?