San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Sk 78Licking the Hands

Hatthanillehaka Sutta: On Licking the Hands

Background

The Hatthanillehaka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, where the rules of practice and events from the time when the Buddha was still living are preserved. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not only a code of conduct, but also a treasury recording concrete situations in the life of the Sangha, helping bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs understand clearly the spirit of Buddhist practice.

The title "Hatthanillehaka" (Pāli: hattha = hand, nillehaka = licking) indicates a specific action, which may be misunderstood as impolite or sensual conduct. However, in the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, it refers to an ethical matter related to self-control, mental intention, and appropriate boundaries in celibate practice.

This sutta arose from incidents that occurred in the early monastic community, when the Buddha had to give teachings and rules to maintain purity (succa) and discipline in the Sangha.

Main Content

The specific content of this sutta has not yet been fully translated, but based on the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the sutta relates to instructing bhikkhus about inappropriate actions and rules of conduct that must be followed. In particular, it emphasizes actions that may appear trivial but contain openings related to mental intention or conscious self-control.

In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka often gives concrete examples so that each bhikkhu understands that practice does not only mean governing great actions, but also requires attention to small actions and habits in daily life. Licking the hands may relate to eating discipline, emotional self-control, or ordinary habits that need to be abandoned upon going forth.

This sutta lies within the context of the Pātimokkha rules, the precepts that each bhikkhu must preserve.