Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 80Shaking the Hand
Pāli / Sanskrit:Hatthaniddhunaka
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The Scripture on Shaking the Hand (Hatthaniddhunaka)
Background
The Scripture on Shaking the Hand (Pāli: Hatthaniddhunaka) is a Vinaya text belonging to the Theravāda tradition and recorded in the Pāli Canon. It is one of the detailed regulatory scriptures concerning discipline in the Sangha community. This body of scripture was composed from the teachings of the Buddha when he directly instructed disciples about improper conduct, errors of awareness, and carefulness in practice.
The scripture reflects an early period in the development of the Sangha, when bhikkhus newly entering the path needed specific instruction in rules of daily life, especially actions that seem small but carry deep meaning regarding intention and concentration. The background of this scripture is often related to specific situations occurring in the Sangha, where the Buddha or elder disciples discovered unsuitable actions and asked for explanation, then set forth rules to correct them.
Main Content
The Scripture on Shaking the Hand focuses on an action that at first appears ordinary, shaking or clapping the hand, but which the Buddha regarded as an expression of disrespect, lack of propriety, or lack of concentration in practice. This action is not permitted in certain situations, especially when facing elder bhikkhus, during traditional ceremonies, or at times when quiet and concentration need to be maintained for the work of practice.
The scripture prescribes in detail the moments when shaking the hand is unsuitable, the mental attitudes behind it, such as excessive joy, mockery, or boredom, and the penalties or corrections (dhamma-danda) that the Sangha may apply. This rule is not intended to punish, but to educate, helping bhikkhus recognize the importance of every bodily action.
The nature of the scripture is to teach practitioners to understand that no action is “only” a bodily action; all reflect states of mind. Careless shaking of the hand may show that the mind has not yet been disciplined, has not yet gained concentration (samādhi), and has not yet been trained in alertness (sati) and clear mindfulness (sampajañña).
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