Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Sk 76Shaking the Hand

Shaking the Hand Sutta (Hatthaniddhunaka)

Background

The Shaking the Hand Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, in the Bhikkhu Vibhaṅga, the regulations for bhikkhus. This collection was composed to govern and maintain the discipline of the monastic community, guiding daily actions so that they accord with the Dharma and the customs of the Sangha.

When the Buddha was still alive, issues that arose in the bhikkhu community were resolved directly by him through rules concerning the four Pārājikas, the supreme offenses, the Pātimokkha, the basic discipline, and specific rules of conduct. The Shaking the Hand Sutta concerns an action that seems small, taking or shaking the hand, but contains deep meaning regarding respect, the psychology of communal life in the Sangha, and bodily expressions related to mental orientation.

Main Content

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the act of shaking the hand (hatthaniddhunaka) is mentioned as an expression of indication, attraction, or challenge that a bhikkhu might perform. The regulation concerning this gesture is not accidental, but reflects carefulness in communication among members of the Sangha, especially between bhikkhu and bhikkhu, or between a bhikkhu and others.

According to the spirit of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, any bodily action has the capacity to express an inner state of mind. Taking the hand may be an expression of intimacy, inappropriate familiarity, or an attempt to exert improper influence. Shaking the hand may also carry the meaning of challenge, insult, or disrespect toward the discipline of practice.

The rule concerning Hatthaniddhunaka is meant to ensure that bhikkhus maintain dignity, appropriate distance, and courtesy in all communication. This is part of the broader principle of Paṭicca Samuppāda, dependent origination, applied to the field of speech and action: small actions may lead to great spiritual consequences if not restrained.