Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Pc 53Tickling

Aṅgulipatodaka Sutta (The Sutta on Tickling with the Finger)

Background

The Aṅgulipatodaka Sutta is found in the Pātimokkha section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the Pācittiya rules — offenses leading to remorse and confession. These are the Buddha’s teachings for the Sangha, intended to shape refined and respectful rules of conduct in communal monastic life.

The background of this body of discipline arose from specific events that occurred among the Sangha during the Buddha’s lifetime. When problems arose, the Buddha then gave regulations to guide the proper conduct of the bhikkhus. The Vinaya Piṭaka is therefore not a set of absolute commands, but wise instruction on how to live harmoniously, respectfully, and in accordance with Buddhist ethics.

Main Content

The term “Aṅgulipatodaka” means “tickling with the finger” — an action that seems trivial yet carries profound karmic meaning in the teaching of the Vinaya Piṭaka. This sutta concerns matters that reveal lack of vigilance or carelessness in the daily life of a bhikkhu.

Specifically, the sutta prescribes that a bhikkhu should not tickle another with a finger, or perform similar acts involving bodily misuse. This is not because of a technical issue, but because such action can lead to unwholesomeness, unnecessary touching, or even other undesired consequences. This rule reflects a basic principle: respect one’s own body and the body of others, maintain proper boundaries, and always be mindful of the actions one performs.

In the broader context of the Pātimokkha, this rule is part of those that shape a pure and refined way of life, without bodily misuse, and without touching areas or engaging in actions that may lead to sensual desire. This is the way the Buddha helped bhikkhus build self-mastery through even the smallest daily actions.