Mpt Pc 64Playing
Pāli / Sanskrit:Hasadhamma
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
The Discourse on Play (Hasadhamma Sutta)
Background
Provision 64 of the Patimokkha (the general code for bhikkhus) concerns the issue of games and amusement. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, these provisions are not absolute prohibitions but guidelines for monastics to maintain focus and remain apart from distracting activities.
During the Buddha's time, bhikkhus lived in the monastic community and had to balance inner practice with daily life. The matter of "play" (hasadhamma) is not simply entertainment, but includes every form of diversion that may distract the mind from the goal of liberation.
Main Content
The Hasadhamma discourse in the Patimokkha emphasizes that bhikkhus should avoid becoming absorbed in games, useless amusement, or distracting activities. This includes games with objects, games at water places, contests of strength, or any form of entertainment whose main purpose is to pass time and stimulate emotional pleasure.
The Buddha taught that distraction by such pleasures obstructs the path of practice. A true monastic who has gone forth, who has cut off bonds to family, possessions, and fame, should not return to forms of pleasure similar to those of worldly life. This is the spirit of observing the discipline: not out of fear of punishment, but because one clearly understands the purpose of going forth.
However, it is important to understand that Theravāda Buddhism does not absolutely forbid or suppress the mind. The purpose is to train concentration (samādhi) and wisdom (paññā). When the mind is occupied by useless activities, the capacity for meditation is diminished, and the path leading to nirvana is obstructed.
Practical Meaning
The meaning of this provision lies in recognizing that time is most precious. Each moment can be used to develop insight or lost to temporary pleasures.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.