Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 66Shaking the Hand

Explanation of the Hatthaniddhunaka Sutta (Shaking the Hand)

Background

The Hatthaniddhunaka Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the analysis of the discipline for nuns. This section gives detailed regulations concerning improper actions by female monastics, especially related to inappropriate interactions with men.

In the context of the early Sangha community, the Buddha established disciplinary rules to protect the honor of nuns and maintain the purity of the community of practice. The Hatthaniddhunaka Sutta clearly states an action regarded as a minor offense: shaking or holding hands with men in an indecent or sensual manner.

Although this action is not among the gravest violations of the discipline, it is regarded as inappropriate for the character of a female monastic who has gone forth in search of liberation. The detailed recording of such behavior was intended to educate the entire bhikkhunī community about proper boundaries in conduct.

Main Content

The Hatthaniddhunaka Sutta states that if a nun deliberately shakes or holds hands with a man in an improper way, especially with gestures of sensuality or affection, then she has violated a provision of the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha.

The sutta emphasizes that this boundary is not concerned with polite greetings or ordinary interaction in a monastic context. Rather, it concerns specific gestures: shaking the hand in a flirtatious way, holding a hand for a long time, or movements that express emotion inconsistent with the nature of the life of practice.

This behavior is classified as Pācittiya, an offense requiring expiation, meaning that the nun must confess, repent, and follow corrective measures. Through public confession before the bhikkhunī community, the nun is restored in standing and character.

Importantly, the sutta does not completely forbid normal interaction between men and women in a monastic context. Instead, it establishes clear boundaries in order to protect the heart of practice of female monastics and maintain a pure environment for the religious community.