Lzh Mi Bu Pm Sk 94Clasping Knees

Explanation of the Pallatthika Discourse (Clasping Both Knees)

Background

The Pallatthika discourse appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, in the section regulating actions that violate the bhikkhu’s discipline (bhikkhu-sīla) within the Buddhist Saṅgha. Set in the context of establishing monastic discipline, this discourse records a specific event from which a prohibition arose.

While still alive, the Buddha witnessed the inappropriate action of a certain bhikkhu, who, during practice or outside a solemn context, clasped both knees with his hands (pallatthika). This action, though seemingly minor, was considered unsuitable for the status of one who has gone forth, because it created a posture or gesture that was curious, lacking dignity, or could even give rise to unwholesome rumors about the Saṅgha.

Main Content

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Buddha promulgated a prohibition (pācittiya or dhamma) related to this action. Bhikkhus are not permitted to clasp their knees casually or heedlessly, especially in public circumstances or when interacting with those outside the Saṅgha.

The reason behind this prohibition is not simply the physical action itself, but what it reflects psychologically: lack of alertness (asati), lack of moral shame (hiri), or failure to maintain the proper appearance of one who has gone forth. For Theravāda Buddhism, the outward image of a bhikkhu directly reflects diligence in inner practice. When outward action is not pure, it affects the community’s trust and indirectly harms the disciples of the Buddha.

This discourse also mentions a broader principle: bhikkhus must always maintain dignity (gocara-sampatti) in all postures, walking, standing, sitting, and lying down. Any action that does not accord with propriety, however small, should be corrected in order to protect the honor of the Dharma.