Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Sk 40Clasping Knees

The Pallatthika Scripture (Clasping the Knees)

Background

The Pallatthika scripture appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Sutta Vibhaṅga, the section that analyzes in detail the prohibitions of the monastic code (Bhikkhusutta). This work records precedents or specific events related to actions inconsistent with monastic discipline, from which the Buddha established training rules (sikkhāpada).

In the context of the early monastic community, actions that seemed minor but reflected mental attitude, arrogance, or lack of respect were carefully considered. "Clasping the knees" (pallatthika), that is, a gesture of sitting in a particular posture, was recorded as an action related to the expression of an inappropriate attitude in the Sangha community.

Main Content

Although the full translation of this scripture has not yet been completely rendered into Vietnamese in the available materials, according to the context of the Vinaya, the Pallatthika scripture concerns bodily actions or gestures that monastics should not perform in specific circumstances, especially in Sangha assemblies or before bhikkhunīs.

The posture of "clasping the knees" (pallatthika), which may be understood as certain ways of sitting or gestures commonly regarded as contrary to discipline, became a precedent for the Buddha to establish prohibitions. These prohibitions do not arise because the actions are evil in themselves, but because they reflect an attitude lacking dignity, arrogance, or distraction toward others. Discipline in the Vinaya is not a set of absolute moral judgments, but rules for preserving harmony, purity, and mutual respect within the monastic community.

The basic principle is this: whatever may cause the Sangha to lose the respect of laypeople, or make the monastic community appear undignified, should not be done. This is an expression of the principle of "Dhammassava," making the Dharma respected.