Lzh Mi Bi Vb Sk 25Na hastasaṁlagnikaya pravekṣyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na hastasaṁlagnikaya pravekṣyāma
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EXPOSITION OF THE NA HASTASAṀLAGNIKAYA PRAVEKṢYĀMA DISCOURSE
Context
The Na hastasaṁlagnikaya pravekṣyāma discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the sacred canon regulating norms and discipline in the community of Buddhist monks and nuns in the Theravāda tradition. The title of this discourse, roughly translated as "We shall not allow those with hands stained with oil to enter ritual work," reflects detailed correction concerning cleanliness, dignity, and spirit in the practice of honoring the teacher.
The Vinaya Piṭaka in general was taught by the Buddha to protect the integrity of the Sangha, maintain internal harmony (saṅgha), and create optimal conditions for practicing the Dharma path. This discourse specifically revolves around standards of action in matters related to offerings, rituals, or religious ceremonies. It is not a rigid rule but a profound instruction on how to polish intention and action.
Main Content
The specific content of this discourse has not yet been fully translated in existing official translations, but based on the context of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, it may be understood as teaching the principle of not allowing those whose minds are not clean, or those who are in an unsuitable bodily state, such as having hands stained with grease, to participate in formal and sacred tasks.
This reflects a profound principle in the Vinaya Piṭaka: every action should be performed with a pure, respectful, and careful mind. If a monk or nun wishes to participate in tasks connected with offerings, performing rites, or touching sacred objects, they must ensure both materially and spiritually that they are in a suitable state.
According to the Theravāda tradition, "having hands stained with oil" may also be understood metaphorically: it refers to those whose minds are still "soiled" by greed, hatred, or delusion, or whose intention has not yet been purified in ethical matters.
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