Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Sk 55Na hastasaṁlagnikaya pravekṣyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na hastasaṁlagnikaya pravekṣyāma
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Explanation of the Na Hastasaṁlagnikaya Pravekṣyāma Sutta
Background
The Na Hastasaṁlagnikaya Pravekṣyāma Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection of scriptures regulating the disciplinary life of the Buddhist Sangha. The phrase “Na hastasaṁlagnikaya” means “one must not hold hands,” a prohibition in the ethical rules (Bhikkhunī Vinaya) for Bhikkhunīs (nuns).
The Vinaya Piṭaka records specific situations that occurred in the monastic community during the Buddha’s time, from which precepts arose to protect purity, discipline, and mutual respect. Prohibitions related to bodily contact (phassa-saṁyojana) are regarded as important factors in maintaining pure mindfulness and avoiding sensual arousal that may distract from the path of Buddhist practice.
Main Content
This discourse forbids Bhikkhunīs from holding hands or intentionally making bodily contact with men, except in necessary medical cases. This prohibition is not based on fear or contempt, but on deep understanding that accidental contact may lead to situations in which people lose mental composure, thereby giving rise to defilements (kilesa).
The Vinaya Piṭaka often records the specific story that led the Buddha to establish a prohibition. Some cases in the Bhikkhunī Vinaya concern nuns interacting carelessly with men, leading to misunderstandings or loss of confidence from the worldly community (lokakkhippa). Therefore, the Buddha advised nuns to avoid situations that may cause trouble, preserve their reputation, and focus on inner practice.
The basic principle here is “careful restraint” (paṭisaṁvāra), gradually limiting external conditions so that the mind may be peaceful. This is not pressure or irrational restriction, but a conscious choice of conditions favorable to practice.
Practical Meaning
In the context of the modern monastic path, this discourse reminds us that Buddhist practice requires awareness of bodily action.
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