12 / 13 · Dwelling
Accepting whatever dwelling is assigned
Using whatever lodging is allotted, without asking for a better one.
- Author
- Dhutanga.org Editorial Team
- Review
- Doctrinal review pending
- Tradition
- Theravada, with comparative notes
- Published
- Last reviewed
- Pali name
- Yathāsanthatikaṅga
- Group
- Dwelling
Meaning
Yathāsanthata means “as it was assigned”. The practitioner is content with the first place given.
How it is practised
When a lodging is allotted, the practitioner accepts it without comparing, requesting a change or asking others to move.
Grades of strictness
The grades differ in whether one may ask about, or inspect, the lodging before settling in.
Benefits described in the tradition
- Contentment and ease with others
- Letting go of preferences
- Harmony within the community
When the observance lapses
The observance lapses when the practitioner seeks a different lodging out of preference.
Context today
This is perhaps the most transferable observance: accepting the room, seat or task one is given, with good grace, is widely practised in retreat settings.