Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 48Tickling
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aṅgulipatodaka
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Aṅgulipatodaka Scripture (Scripture on Poking or Tickling)
Background
The Aṅgulipatodaka scripture is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, one of the most sacred collections of Theravāda Buddhism. This scripture records a disciplinary rule (Pācittiya) established by the Buddha for the Sangha, in order to protect the nature of the pure religious life.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, Pācittiya is a serious category of rule requiring the offender to admit the fault and confess before the Sangha. Such rules were not established arbitrarily, but arose from specific events in the early community of monks and nuns. The Aṅgulipatodaka scripture is one such event, reflecting the Buddha’s effort to guide the Sangha and protect the clarity of the discipline.
The word “aṅgulipatodaka” consists of “aṅguli” (finger) and “patodaka” (poking, making one jump), referring to the act of poking, teasing, or tickling with a finger. Although the title may seem light, it concerns a deep matter of personal discipline and mutual respect within the Sangha.
Main Content
According to the Vinaya tradition, this scripture records that some bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs teased other monastics, or people outside the Sangha, whether lightly or playfully. These acts, though they may seem insignificant, were carefully considered by the Buddha.
The Buddha saw that teasing or tickling, though not a grossly violent act, still violates the basic principle of Sangha discipline. It expresses lack of respect, lack of dignity, and a sign of loss of focus in practice. Therefore, the Buddha established the rule that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs are not permitted to poke or tickle others. A violating act leads to a Pācittiya offense, requiring public confession before the Sangha.
This rule concerns not only physical action but also the attitude of practice.
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