Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 48Hitting
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pahāra
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Commentary on the Pahāra Sutta (The Hitting Rule)
Background
The Pahāra Sutta is found within the Pātimokkha (the Code of Discipline) of the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the section on Pācittiya offenses (rules requiring confession and expiation). This rule was recorded after the Buddha and his disciples, including bhikkhunīs, had taken up residence in various monasteries, at a time when rules governing communal life needed to be established in order to maintain discipline and harmony.
The circumstances that gave rise to this rule concern incidents that occurred within the Saṅgha, in which certain members resorted to physical violence against one another—striking, jabbing, and shoving. The Buddha recognized that such conduct not only caused bodily harm but also disrupted internal harmony and violated the spirit of compassion; accordingly, he established a clear prohibition against such violent behavior.
Principal Content
The Pahāra rule stipulates that any bhikkhu or bhikkhunī who intentionally strikes another person with force, makes rough physical contact, shoves them, or employs any form of bodily violence against another—whether a fellow practitioner or anyone else—commits a Pācittiya offense. This rule makes no distinction as to the degree of harm inflicted or the reason behind it; what it takes into account is solely the intention (cetanā) and the action (kamma) of the offender.
Notably, the prohibition is not limited to direct blows alone, but encompasses every form of physical assault: shoving, jabbing, scratching, or any action intended to cause discomfort or injury to another. The principle is absolute—a monastic is not permitted to employ violence under any circumstances whatsoever.
Expiation of this offense requires the offender to: acknowledge their conduct before another individual or before the Saṅgha, express genuine remorse, and undertake not to reoffend. A Pācittiya offense does not entail expulsion from the Saṅgha, as does a Pārājika offense (the most serious category of violation), but it does require public and sincere confession.
Practical Significance
The Pahāra Sutta reflects a fundamental principle of the Buddha-Dharma: loving-kindness (mettā) and non-harm (ahiṃsā).
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