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Commentary on the Text “Hands Across” (Na kaṁbhākṛtasya)

Background

The text “Hands Across” belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of early Buddhadharma and is part of the rules of discipline for the Sangha. Its content appears in the context of Śākyamuni Buddha’s issuing regulations on proper bearing for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. These rules reflect the psychology of the practitioner, namely the need to preserve bodily conduct that is not rash, especially in situations involving the two sexes.

This text was promulgated because the Buddha witnessed improper conduct by bhikkhus, or to prevent offenses that might arise from ambiguous gestures. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of prohibitions, but also practical guidance helping monastics preserve moral conduct (sīla), the first foundation of Buddhist practice.

Main Content

The text “Hands Across” (Na kaṁbhākṛtasya) regulates the bearing of a monastic while standing and walking. Specifically, it forbids bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs from clasping the two hands horizontally behind the back or placing the two hands crosswise so as to form a yoke-like shape on the upper body while in the presence of those who are not noble ones (arahants) or people connected with the two sexes.

Although this action may appear harmless, according to the Buddha it has the potential to give rise to unwholesome comments and speculations from those who see it. Such conduct may be misunderstood or give rise to doubts about the sincerity of a monastic’s practice. Therefore, the Buddha required bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs to guard their bodily bearing carefully, not only to avoid wrongdoing, but also to avoid misunderstandings.

This rule belongs to a series of regulations concerning bodily deportment (Pātimokkha), matters monastics must observe in order to maintain the honor of the Sangha and the respect of the Buddhist community.