Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 25Na hastasaṁlagnikaya pravekṣyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na hastasaṁlagnikaya pravekṣyāma
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THE NA HASTASAṀLAGNIKAYA PRAVEKṢYĀMA DISCOURSE
Explanation According to the Theravāda Tradition
Background
The Na hastasaṁlagnikaya pravekṣyāma Discourse (“One should not put the hand into fire”) is a disciplinary passage in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pali Canon, a foundational component of Theravāda Buddhism. This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Khandhaka, the section regulating detailed discipline for bhikkhus and bhikkhunis.
The originating context was when the Buddha and the Sangha were staying in various localities and saw that some bhikkhus acted carelessly, did not respect sacred or ritually dedicated objects, or performed actions that could harm themselves and other living beings. In particular, putting the hand into fire or coming into contact with fire carelessly was regarded as a violation of the principle of the holy life (brahmacariya) and unsuitable to the dignified character of one gone forth under the Buddha.
Main Content
This discourse states that bhikkhus should not put their hands into fire heedlessly or casually. This rule arises from the spirit of protecting life and respecting the law of cause and effect (kamma). When a bhikkhu puts his hand into fire without a legitimate reason, the act is regarded as lacking mindfulness and violating the principle of protecting life, one of the most basic foundations of the five basic precepts (pañcasīla).
Related provisions include: a bhikkhu should care for his own body appropriately; should not engage in reckless, violent, or self-harming actions; and should always maintain mindfulness in every moment. Fire here is not merely physical fire, but also symbolizes desire, anger, and delusion that can burn the mind.
If a bhikkhu intends to put his hand into fire or perform a similar act for the purpose of self-harm or testing himself, this will be carefully examined. However, if it is an unintentional act arising from carelessness, instruction and correction are more appropriate than punishment.
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