Lzh Dg Bi Pm Sk 97Holding a Sword
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na khaḍgapāṇa
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The Scripture on Holding a Sword — Na Khaḍgapāṇa
Context
The scripture “Holding a Sword” (Na khaḍgapāṇa) is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha Dharma, specifically belonging to the Pātimokkha — the mirror of ethical conduct for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This scripture is distinguished in order to define conduct that stains the renunciant status, connected with the use of instruments that cause harm.
In the context of the early Sangha community, these rules were established from concrete situations witnessed by the Buddha. The law is not arbitrary prohibition, but the result of the Blessed One’s wisdom, intended to protect the purity, compassionate spirit, and integrity of the Sangha. The scripture on Holding a Sword specifically concerns the fact that renunciants should not hold or use weapons such as swords, spears, and similar instruments.
Main Content
The scripture prescribes that bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs are not permitted to hold (pāṇa) bladed weapons (khaḍga) such as swords or other instruments of harm. This fault is regarded as a disciplinary transgression, not a pārājika offense, but a significant violation of moral virtue (sīla).
The deeper reason behind this rule is not merely avoiding bodily harm, but also concerns the spiritual spirit. Those who have gone forth have abandoned worldly life, including the desire to possess, to protect themselves through violence, or to own instruments of power. Holding a sword symbolizes still being bound by fear, violence, and selfishness — mental illnesses contrary to right view (Sammādiṭṭhi) and boundless loving-kindness (Mettā).
When a renunciant holds a weapon, that action reflects that they still accept the spirit of combat and the protection of the self.
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