Lzh Mg Bi Pm Sk 36Na niṣaṇṇo hastaṁ kokṛtyamvā pādakaukṛtyamvā
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na niṣaṇṇo hastaṁ kokṛtyamvā pādakaukṛtyamvā
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Commentary on the Sūtra Na niṣaṇṇo hastaṁ kokṛtyamvā pādakaukṛtyamvā
Background
This sūtra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the body of scripture that sets forth the precepts, observances, and rules of practice for the Buddhist monastic community of monks and nuns. The sūtra "Na niṣaṇṇo hastaṁ kokṛtyamvā pādakaukṛtyamvā" (One who is seated shall not engage in awkward gesturing with the hands or awkward fidgeting with the feet) is one of the training rules that bhikkhus must observe in daily life.
The context from which this sūtra arose lies in situations where disciples of the Buddha failed to maintain proper bodily composure and dignity of conduct, thereby casting an unfavorable light upon the image of the Saṅgha and upon the cultivation of the inner life. For this reason, the Buddha set forth specific rules to guide bhikkhus in cultivating dignity and discipline.
Principal Content
This sūtra stipulates that when a bhikkhu is seated, he must not perform thoughtless or undignified actions with his hands or feet. Specifically, "kokṛtya" (gesturing with the hands) and "pādakaukṛtya" (fidgeting with the feet) both refer to aimless movements, such as continuously waving the hands, tapping the feet against the ground, or other movements that serve no clear purpose.
This rule is intended to protect the dignity of the Saṅgha assembly (saṅgha-samanvaya). A bhikkhu engaged in practice must manifest stillness and concentration in every posture, including while seated. Aimless movements of the hands and feet not only reflect a scattered, unconcentrated mind (acittita), but may also cause others to lose their focus in practice or to lose confidence in the Saṅgha.
In accordance with the general principles of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, this matter does not constitute a grave offense entailing defeat (pārājika), but rather falls within the category of rules pertaining to the "sekhiya sikkhāpada" (training rules for deportment), aimed at establishing dignity, harmony, and discipline within the monastic community.
Practical Significance
This sūtra teaches us that the practice of the Buddha-Dharma is not confined to the mind alone, but must also be expressed through the body.
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