Lzh Mg Bu Pm Pc 58Hitting

The Discourse on Hitting (Pahāra)

An Exposition from the Traditional Theravāda Vinaya

Background

The Pahāra Sutta (Hitting) is found within the Pātimokkha section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the Pācittiya rules—the class of offenses requiring confession and expiation. This text was recorded during the lifetime of the Blessed One Gotama, when matters of violent conduct within the community of monastics needed to be addressed.

According to the Theravāda tradition, these rules were established to uphold diligence within the monastic life, to protect practitioners, and to build a firm ethical foundation. Not out of rigid legalism, but out of compassion—the Blessed One wished that those who had gone forth into homelessness would genuinely transform violent tendencies of mind into composure and wisdom.

Principal Content

The Pahāra rule concerns the act of striking another person, particularly fellow members of the Sangha. This rule does not permit a bhikkhu (or bhikkhunī) to strike another person under any circumstance. Should one transgress, the offense incurred is a Pācittiya—that is, an infraction requiring confession before the community.

"Striking" here does not refer solely to forceful blows, but to any contact made with the intention to harm or to show disrespect. Even striking another's body with the hand, a stick, or any object whatsoever is regarded as a transgression. Intention (cetanā) is the determining factor—there must be an intention to strike or to assault in order for the offense to be constituted.

This rule reflects a fundamental principle of Early Buddhism: violence cannot be the path of practice. Rather, composure, patience (khanti), and non-harm (ahiṃsā) are the virtuous qualities that must be cultivated.

Practical Significance

The Pahāra rule teaches that one who practices must exercise restraint over body, speech, and mind. Although this rule is prescribed for those who have gone forth from home into homelessness, its deeper principle applies to all who follow the Buddha.

The relinquishing of violence begins with awareness: understanding that to strike another is an act that causes harm both to the one who is struck and to oneself. It creates conditions conducive to anger, remorse, and division.