Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 99Holding a Weapon
Pāli / Sanskrit:Āvudhapāṇi
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SUTTA ON ONE HOLDING A WEAPON
Context
The Āvudhapāṇi Sutta (One Holding a Weapon) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early tradition, as part of the disciplinary regulations in the community of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to maintain the purity and harmony of the Sangha, while also reflecting specific situations that arose during the Buddha’s teaching career.
This text records a situation related to bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs holding weapons such as swords, knives, bows, and arrows. These are not unreasonable regulations, but arise from real needs: in the Buddha’s time, bhikkhus often traveled to teach through wild regions, encountering wild animals or people with harmful intentions. Thus the question of whether one who has gone forth may carry weapons for self-defense is a genuine disciplinary matter requiring clarification.
Through this text, the Buddha and the Sangha gave clear guidance on the pure way of life for one who has gone forth, reflecting the spirit of the Buddha Dharma: compassion, nonviolence, and recollection of the Dharma.
Main Content
According to the regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka, bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs should not hold weapons such as swords, knives, or bows and arrows. Alongside basic disciplines concerning robes and food, these regulations also contain profound insights into practice.
Holding weapons is regarded as conduct contrary to the spirit of going forth, the spirit of renouncing material things and mental discrimination. Weapons symbolize violence, conflict, and the atmosphere of battle. One who has gone forth under the Buddha must transform the mind from a state of defense and attack into a state of abiding in the Dharma, where boundless compassion is the only weapon needed.
The text also records specific cases in which bhikkhus carried swords or knives, and the consequences or required corrections of conduct related to this. These regulations are not arbitrary prohibitions, but lessons drawn from reality and intended to protect the true Dharma as well as the reputation of the Sangha.
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