San Lo Bu Pm Sk 21Clasping Knees
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pallatthika
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Pallatthika Discourse (Clasping Knees)
Background
The Pallatthika discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the training rules that the Buddha established for the monastic community. This collection records specific situations that occurred in the practice life of the earliest practitioners, from which teachings on discipline and ethics arose.
The title “Pallatthika” (clasping knees) refers to a bodily attitude in action, pressing the hands firmly against the sides of the thighs or kneeling down. This action is not merely a physical movement; it reflects an inner state: concentration, firmness, or in some contexts it may also express jealousy, anger, or an unsettled mind.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is not theoretical Dharma teaching, but a record of specific events, disputes arising within the Sangha, and the resolutions given by the Buddha. Through these rules, bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs are guided to live communally in harmony, with mutual respect, and to avoid harmful conduct.
Main Content
The specific content of the Pallatthika discourse records an event concerning the action of “clasping knees” (pallatthika) in the context of rules of conduct. According to the Pāli Canon tradition, this action is related to situations in which a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī displays an unsuitable mental state, such as jealousy, inability to endure criticism, or a rude response when admonished.
The Buddha, seeing that this action arose from an impure mind, pointed out that practitioners should control body, speech, and mind. Discipline in the Sangha is not for punishment, but to help each individual cultivate sincerity, compassion, and patience.
This rule emphasizes that a true monastic should not allow any negative emotion, whether anger, jealousy, or arrogance, to govern their actions.
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