San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Sk 108Holding a Sword
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na khaḍgapāṇa
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SWORD-HOLDING SUTTA — Explanation According to the Theravāda Tradition
Background
The “Na khaḍgapāṇa” Sutta, “Not Holding a Sword,” is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka and reflects the context of the Buddha Śākyamuni’s lifetime, when the Order was still in its early stage. The early regulations of practice were established by the Buddha and the Sangha to protect the purity and peace of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, as well as to maintain the honor of the teaching in the hearts of the public.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a cold code of law, but practical guidance for those who have gone forth to live in harmony with the community and the spiritual life. Each rule has a foundational story, a specific event in the lives of the disciples that gave rise to the need for that rule. This discourse belongs to the most basic provisions concerning the conduct of bhikkhus in daily life.
Main Content
The “Na khaḍgapāṇa” Sutta states that a bhikkhu must not hold a sword or other sharp weapon. This arose from a specific situation in the history of the Order: one or more bhikkhus held swords, leading to harm or danger, after which the Buddha clearly prohibited it.
This regulation is not isolated. The entire Vinaya Piṭaka is built on the principle of protecting three aspects: protecting the purity of those who have gone forth, protecting the honor of the Dharma, and protecting the trust of the lay community. A bhikkhu holding a sword creates the impression that a renunciant is no different from a warrior or a violent person, which denies the core of renouncing violence and embodying compassion.
From the perspective of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the daily requisites of a bhikkhu are strictly limited. Apart from the three robes (cīvara), a bowl (patta), and a few necessary items, other objects are “things not to be possessed.” A sword is a symbol of power and violence, two things contrary to the vow of going forth.
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