San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Sk 109Holding a Weapon
Pāli / Sanskrit:Āvudhapāṇi
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The Holding a Weapon Sutta (Āvudhapāṇi)
Context
The Āvudhapāṇi Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the early tradition of the Buddha-Dharma. The regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka were recorded in order to protect the standard conduct of bhikkhus, bhikkhunīs, and those gone forth, while also helping the Sangha maintain discipline and harmony within the practicing community.
This text reflects the social context of India in the Buddha’s time, where various classes were present, from hunters and warriors to those who protected property. The question of "holding a weapon" (āvudha) is considered from the perspective of practice and religious discipline. This is not an isolated regulation, but part of the Pātimokkha system, the list of basic offenses that bhikkhus must observe in order to protect the mind and the monastic conduct.
Main Content
According to the early Vinaya Piṭaka, a bhikkhu is not to hold, carry, or store weapons, whether swords, arrows, or any instrument of harm. This regulation arises from the basic principle of Buddhism: avoiding agitation and doing no harm to living beings (ahiṃsā).
When one gone forth remains connected to material weapons, this shows that the mind has not truly abandoned the idea of protecting the self through violence. Weapons symbolize division, hostility, and the need to control through force, factors entirely contrary to the Buddhist path.
This regulation applies broadly not only to individual bhikkhus, but also to the activities of the Sangha. It affirms that Buddhism does not practice violence as a means, even for self-protection. Instead, early Buddhism encourages the use of reason, patience, and compassion to resolve conflict.
Practical Meaning
Although this text is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka in relation to those gone forth, its profound nature has meaning for all who follow Buddhism.
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