Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 67Shaking the Hand

Exposition of the Hatthaniddhunaka Sutra (Shaking the Hand)

Background

The Hatthaniddhunaka Sutra (Hatthaviddhunaka) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga division, the section regulating bhikkhunīs. This case arose from a specific incident in the early Buddhist Sangha, when bhikkhunīs acted in a way not in accordance with monastic discipline.

The historical background shows that bhikkhunīs in the Sangha community displayed behavior outside the prescribed discipline. The Buddha, with compassion and also with great wisdom, established rules of conduct to protect the purity of the community. The Hatthaniddhunaka Sutra is related to the act of shaking the hand or touching the hand to attract the attention of others, especially actions that could lead to inappropriate association.

Main Content

The specific content of this sutra in the Vinaya Piṭaka revolves around discipline connected with bodily gestures, specifically the act of shaking or waving the hand in a way that could be misunderstood or lead to unsuitable interaction. A bhikkhunī should not use such gestures in order to attract attention or impress others, especially men.

The Vinaya Piṭaka emphasizes that bhikkhunīs must maintain dignified and steady conduct. Every bodily movement should be performed with dignity and care. Shaking or waving the hand without discipline is regarded as a violation of the Pātimokkha, the basic code. This action is classified among disciplinary offenses of a certain degree, depending on intention and circumstance.

This rule concerns not only the physical action itself, but also the mental state (Pāli: citta), the intention to attract attention, show off, or seek recognition. Theravāda teaching holds that action (Pāli: kamma) is formed from intention, and therefore the motive behind this gesture is very important.