Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 16Clasping Knees
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pallatthika
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THE PALLATTHIKA DISCOURSE
Background
The Vinaya Piṭaka is the Buddhist collection containing rules of practice and discipline for the Sangha, regulating the conduct of bhikkhus in daily life. The Pallatthika Discourse is found in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the discipline of bhikkhunīs, and concerns inappropriate actions of female monastics.
The term “Pallatthika,” from the Pali root “pallacchana” or “pallatthi,” means to clasp tightly or hold rigidly, especially the act of clasping the two knees together, a posture expressing undignified or careless behavior in the Sangha. This is recorded as a basic violation (sekhiya sikkhamānā pācittiya) for bhikkhunīs.
The historical context shows that these regulations arose from the Buddha and earlier monastic elders observing subtle but important actions in maintaining the dignity of the Sangha, actions that affected the perception and trust of laypeople outside the community.
Main Content
The Pallatthika Discourse states that bhikkhunīs should not clasp, grip, or rigidly draw together the two knees when sitting in public situations or places connected with communal life. This act is regarded as an expression of lack of dignity, lack of self-control, or an unstable state of mind.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, clasping the knees is not only a crude gesture but also reflects an impure state of mind, possibly connected with tension, irritation, or poor self-control. Bhikkhunīs are advised to maintain a sitting posture that is graceful, natural, open, and free from bodily strain or rigidity.
This rule applies especially in circumstances such as attending a Sangha assembly (saṅgha sannipāta), meeting important persons or receiving guests, or being in sacred spaces such as a vihāra (monastery) or sālā (hall). The purpose is to maintain an image of noble character, confidence, and a steady heart.
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