Mpt Sk 65Shaking the Hand

Commentary on Hatthaniddhunaka (The Sutta on Shaking the Hand)

Background

Hatthaniddhunaka is a minor rule (khuddhaka-sikkhāpada) found in the Pātimokkha of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the disciplinary rules related to bodily conduct for those gone forth. This sutta is recorded in the Early Buddhist tradition, reflecting the Buddha’s teachings on dignity and respect in the life of practice.

The context in which this sutta appeared came from specific events at a vihāra, or monastery, in the Sangha community, when bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs performed actions unsuitable to the seriousness of the religious life. Having received reports of these matters, the Buddha established disciplinary rules to guide the community, in order to maintain noble qualities and respect within the Sangha.

Main Content

“Hatthaniddhunaka” literally means “shaking the hand” or “waving the hand” (hatta = hand, niddhunaka = shaking, waving). This disciplinary text forbids bhikkhus from shaking the hand in an undignified way, especially in unnecessary or frivolous situations. This act is regarded as an expression of mental instability, lack of concentration (samādhi), and unsuitability to the image of one who practices the Buddhadharma.

According to the Pātimokkha, actions related to undignified bodily gestures — including shaking the hands, fidgeting, and groundless movements — are considered wrong actions (dukkata or dubbhāsita) that monastics should avoid. The purpose is not to constrain the body rigidly, but to train self-control, show respect for the Teaching, and cultivate dignified restraint (indriya-saṃvara) in the community.

The instructions in this rule are directly related to the practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna), especially kāyānupassanā, contemplation of the body — maintaining mindfulness of every movement, gesture, step, and stillness of the body. This is not a rigid prohibition, but guidance for bhikkhus to develop self-awareness and dignity in every moment.