Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 54Hitting

Explanation of the Pahāra Sutta (The Discourse on Striking)

Background

The Pahāra Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the fundamental code of discipline of the Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. This code of discipline was first proclaimed by the Buddha at Sāvatthī, the great city of ancient northern India, where Jetavana Vihāra stood, the place where the Buddha often taught the Dharma.

The Pahāra Sutta was formulated to address a specific disciplinary problem: the act of striking by bhikkhus. In the context of a monastic community living together, conflicts and disagreements are expected to arise. The Buddha Dharma does not deny the existence of negative emotions such as anger; instead, the Buddha provides concrete guidance so that monastics learn how to control their actions.

This discourse belongs to the Pācittiya (Pāc) class, that is, violations requiring confession and repentance. This shows that the Buddha Dharma does not regard the act of striking as an irreparable fault, but as a violation that can be remedied through recognition and practice.

Main Content

The Pahāra Sutta prescribes that if a bhikkhu strikes another bhikkhu, or intentionally attacks him, this action is regarded as a Pācittiya violation. In particular, the discourse emphasizes intention (cetanā) as the key factor. The action must be intentional, meaning that the person involved must clearly know that he is striking another person.

This rule not only forbids direct acts of violence, but also forbids attempts to cause harm. It reflects the deep principle of ahiṁsā (non-harming) in the Buddha Dharma, and especially in the discipline (Vinaya).

The consequence of the violation is that the bhikkhu must confess before the Sangha itself. This process of confession is not only a punishment, but an opportunity for the monastic to recognize his wrongful action again, and from there to develop wisdom and virtue (sīla, moral discipline).