Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 63Raising a Hand
Pāli / Sanskrit:Talasattika
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DISCOURSE ON RAISING THE HAND - TALASATTIKA
Background
The Discourse on Raising the Hand (Talasattika) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, and is one of the regulations related to discipline and sanctions in the Sangha community. Found in the Parivāra, the appendix to the Vinaya, this discourse records specific cases of violation and ways of handling them in the Sangha, especially actions related to disrespect or challenge toward the authority of elders and the regulations of the community.
The background for the formation of this discourse arose from the need to maintain order, harmony, and discipline in the community of renunciants. When a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī acts improperly, the elders need clear mechanisms for admonishing, educating, or applying forms of censure. The Discourse on Raising the Hand concerns situations related to expressions of an attitude of noncompliance or challenge to the authority of the Sangha.
Main Content
In the Vinaya Piṭaka, “raising the hand” (talasattika) is not only a physical action but also symbolizes the mental attitude of nonacceptance, defiance, or denial. This discourse records rules for handling a case in which a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī raises the hand, that is, displays an attitude of refusing to accept admonition or instruction from the Sangha.
According to the regulations in the Parivāra, if an elder or one authorized by the Sangha gives instruction, and the person raises the hand or refuses to comply, this is considered a disrespectful act and may lead to penalties such as admonition, restriction regarding one’s preceptor, or, in serious cases, other forms of Sangha procedure.
The discourse also makes clear that this attitude is not an isolated fault, but often arises from arrogance, conceit, or lack of understanding of the teaching. Therefore, elders must be skillful in educating the offender, helping that person recognize the fault and return to the proper path of practice.
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