Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 47Tickling
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aṅgulipatodaka
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The Aṅgulipatodaka Discourse: On Poking and Teasing
Background
The Aṅgulipatodaka discourse belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically the Pātimokkha, the list of precepts that bhikkhus must observe. The title "Aṅgulipatodaka" means "poking with the finger" (aṅguli: finger; patodaka: poking, prodding). This is one of the minor regulations, yet it has deep meaning within the Theravāda system of discipline.
The background of the discourse concerns unlawful actions by bhikkhus in the early Sangha. The discourse records that some bhikkhus teased and poked others, either other bhikkhus or laypeople, using their fingers to poke them in order to provoke laughter, cause discomfort, or insult them. The Buddha recognized that this conduct violated the spirit of the aggregate of virtue (sīla) and harmed the dignity and discipline of the Sangha as well as the harmonious relationships among its members.
Main Content
The discourse states that a bhikkhu should not poke or tease another person with his finger, even though the act may appear small outwardly, because it contains the intention to harass or insult. This conduct is classified as pācittiya, an offense requiring public confession before the Sangha.
The reason the Buddha Dharma forbids this is not fear of minor physical injury, but because it reflects a mental state lacking respect, compassion, and concentration. When a bhikkhu pokes and teases, he shows that he is not acting with full awareness (sampajañña) and control over his actions. Such seemingly harmless actions often arise from unwholesome mental states such as irritation, delusion, or arrogance.
This regulation also reflects a broader principle: a bhikkhu should maintain a dignified and courteous image in all circumstances. His manner of speaking and moving should radiate purity and discipline, helping others to trust the Buddha Dharma through the living example of the bhikkhu.
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