Upp Sk 45Licking the Hands
Pāli / Sanskrit:Hatthanillehaka
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The Hatthanillehaka Sutta (Licking the Hands)
An Interpretation According to the Theravāda Tradition
Background
The Hatthanillehaka Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Sutta Vibhaṅga, the section prescribing offenses against morality for those who have gone forth. This sutta was taught by the Buddha to correct unworthy actions and to protect the discipline of the Sangha. The setting is recorded as Sāvatthī, where the Buddha often resided and taught the Dharma to his disciples.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of training rules, stories of violations, and ways of dealing with them, established by the Buddha to preserve discipline and ensure harmony in the Sangha. The texts in the Vinaya Piṭaka are not abstract sermons, but practical guidance directly related to the way of life of those training in the Buddha-Dharma.
Main Content
The Hatthanillehaka Sutta concerns the act of licking the hands as a sign of greed, lack of virtue, and lack of self-respect. Specifically, the sutta describes the case of a monk or bhikkhunī licking their own hand or another person's hand, or allowing someone else to lick their hand, under unwholesome motives, such as expressing unhealthy affection, or because of greed and desire.
The Buddha regarded this action as a violation of the rule (Saṅghādisesa or Pācittiya, depending on degree and motive). The sutta emphasizes that those who have gone forth must maintain purity (brahmacariya) in action, speech, and thought. Licking another person's hand or allowing one's hand to be licked is an act with sensual character, unsuitable to the way of life of those who have left the household life to train.
The Buddha not only prohibited this action, but also explained its deeper cause: it is the disclosure of craving (lobha) and desire (chanda) that those who practice must master. The text is presented in the form of a rule, offense, and exceptional cases so that monks and nuns may clearly understand the boundary between worthy and unworthy conduct.
Practical Meaning
The Hatthanillehaka Sutta has a profound meaning beyond the specific prohibition.
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