Lzh Mi Bu Pm Pc 55Playing

Explanation of the Hasadhamma Discourse (The Discourse on Play)

Background

The Hasadhamma discourse appears in the Pātimokkha, the basic code of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Pācittiya section, offenses requiring confession. This is an important part of the Vinaya Pitaka, where the rules of practice that bhikkhus and bhikkhunis must follow are recorded. The Pācittiya collection contains 92 rules for bhikkhus, intended to help practitioners maintain mindfulness and carefulness in every action.

The Hasadhamma discourse concerns the issue of "play" (hasa = laughter, amusement; dhamma = practice or activity) in the context of Buddhist practice. This rule was laid down by the Buddha to instruct the Sangha on how to control the mind, maintain dignity, and remain focused on the goal of liberation.

Main Content

The Hasadhamma discourse stipulates that bhikkhus should not take part in games or useless playful activities, especially actions that distract the mind and interrupt the process of practice. Such activities include playing with water, playing games in the sand, or other forms of purely recreational amusement.

This rule is not due to exaggeration or miserliness, but to the Buddha’s profound understanding of the nature of consciousness. In Buddhist practice, especially when aiming toward samādhi, concentration, and paññā, wisdom, the mind must be carefully guarded. Excessive play can make the mind scattered and cause it to lose the stability needed to approach deeper levels of concentration.

This rule also emphasizes the principle of "nekkhamma," renunciation, meaning the abandonment of sensual pleasures. Upon going forth, bhikkhus have renounced worldly life with its mundane pleasures. Therefore, taking part in playful games brings them back to old habits and betrays the spirit of renunciation.

Practical Meaning

The Hasadhamma discourse teaches us that carefulness (appamāda) is the only path leading to nirvana.