Lzh Dg Bu Pm Sk 93Not Interlace Hands While Travelling

Explanation of the Sutra: One Should Not Interlace the Hands While Traveling

Background

This sutra is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the most sacred disciplinary collection of Theravada Buddhism, where the precepts and rules of practice for the Sangha are preserved. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of dry prohibitions, but profound guidance that helps disciples remove habits born of ignorance and cultivate mindfulness in every daily action.

This setting belongs to the community of the first bhikkhus in the time of the Buddha. At that time, the disciples needed concrete guidance concerning etiquette, how to show respect, and how to maintain order. Every detail in the way one walks, stands, or raises the hands can reflect the state of mind, intention or lack of intention, mindfulness or negligence.

Main Content

This sutra stipulates that when a bhikkhu is acting, especially when moving from one place to another, he should not interlace his hands while traveling. This is not an arbitrary prohibition, but reflects a deep principle.

The gesture of interlacing the hands, or other contracted forms of folding the two arms across the body, is often associated with stubbornness, self-satisfaction, or lack of vigilance. While walking, the mind should be steady, clear, and distinctly aware of each footstep and each breath. The parts of the body should be guarded with dignity, not moved unconsciously or mechanically.

Such a way of interlacing the hands may also be interpreted as an expression of laxity, loss of concentration, or even improper conduct toward those around one. A bhikkhu must always be aware that he represents the Dharma and the community; every gesture is a silent voice revealing his mind.

Practical Meaning

The practical meaning of this sutra lies in the training of mindfulness (sati). In daily movement, a practitioner must guard the body carefully, not allowing the mind to become negligent or be governed by old habits.