Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Sk 44Clasping Knees
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pallatthika
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Explanation of the Pallatthika Sutta (The Sutta on Clasping Both Knees)
Context
The Pallatthika Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddha-Dharma tradition, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the disciplinary teaching for bhikkhunīs. This sutta is related to one of the important regulations intended to protect the ethics and dignity of the community of female monastics.
According to the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this sutta arose from a specific event that occurred in the Sangha community, where the Buddha found a behavior inconsistent with the spirit of the sacred Dharma. On that occasion, he established clear rules of conduct to preserve the discipline and honor of his female disciples.
Main Content
The name "Pallatthika" (clasping both knees) indicates a specific bodily action: when a woman grasps both knees of another person. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this action is regarded as a form of bodily contact inappropriate to the discipline of those who have gone forth, especially between a monastic and those outside the Sangha.
This sutta stipulates that bhikkhunīs should not perform such acts of bodily contact, because they may create ambiguous relationships, leading to suspicions regarding ethics and purity. This is part of the detailed rules (Pātimokkha) intended to guide those who have gone forth to live according to right livelihood (sammā-ājīva), a life in harmony with the spirit of liberation.
This rule is not an absolute prohibition, but a practical guideline intended to:
- Protect the honor of the individual and the Sangha community
- Avoid actions that may cause misunderstanding or scrutiny
- Maintain dignity in social interactions
- Develop carefulness and mindfulness in action
Practical Meaning
The Pallatthika Sutta teaches that practice is not only an inward matter, but also the way we manifest body, speech, and mind. Every gesture and every movement reflects the depth of one’s spiritual intention and respect for the Dharma and discipline.
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