Lzh Mg Bi Pm Sk 48Licking the Hands
Pāli / Sanskrit:Hatthanillehaka
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THE DISCOURSE ON LICKING THE HANDS (Hatthanillehaka Sutta)
Background
The Discourse on Licking the Hands is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically within the Pātimokkha—the training rules for bhikkhus. This discourse appears in the context of the Buddha establishing precepts to protect the moral integrity and dignity of the Sangha.
This text is directly concerned with the matter of improper conduct among bhikkhus during the act of eating—specifically, the action of licking the fingers with the tongue after a meal. Although this may at first appear to be a minor detail, the Buddha perceived that such an action reflects a lack of gratitude, a lack of mindfulness, and may lead to other forms of inappropriate behavior.
Main Content
In the spirit of the Vinaya Pitaka, the Buddha established a precept prohibiting bhikkhus from licking their hands with the tongue after finishing a meal. The reason runs deeper than the matter of training in discipline (sīla). This action is regarded as a lack of purity in conduct, inconsistent with the image of a bhikkhu—one who has gone forth into homelessness to cultivate the path. It may give rise to disrespect in the eyes of others, undermine the faith of lay practitioners, and more significantly, it reflects a state of mind that has not yet been trained.
The Vinaya Pitaka emphasizes that discipline is not merely a matter of mechanically following rules, but also the training of the mind, the development of self-restraint, and the cultivation of respect. When a bhikkhu practices with care in every small action—including how he attends to his hands after a meal—such habits become the foundation for the entirety of his virtuous conduct.
Practical Significance
The deeper significance of this discourse lies in the concept of "attention to each small detail" (anupassanā). The Buddha-Dharma makes no distinction between large and small actions—all are opportunities for the training of the mind. Licking the hands may be seen as a manifestation of laziness, lack of mindfulness, or even the desire to prolong the sensation of enjoyment.
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