San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Sk 78Licking the Hands
Pāli / Sanskrit:Hatthanillehaka
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The Hatthanillehaka Sutta (Licking the Hands)
Background
The Hatthanillehaka Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, in the section regulating the discipline and conduct of bhikkhus. This is one of the canonical texts concerning the management of desire in the life of practice of those who have gone forth. The Pāli title "Hatthanillehaka" (hatta = hand, nillehaka = licking) directly indicates an ordinary action that nevertheless expresses a state of greed and loss of mindfulness.
According to the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this sutta was taught by the Buddha in order to educate bhikkhus in governing the senses and the mind. The regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka are not merely rigid prohibitions, but wise instructions that help disciples avoid behaviors leading to greed, hatred, and delusion.
Main Content
Hatthanillehaka describes the action of a bhikkhu, or possibly a practitioner, greedily licking back grains of food, oil, or sugar still stuck to the hands after eating. Although outwardly trivial, this action expresses a deep psychology of craving (taṇhā). It shows that the mind has not yet been trained and is still governed by longing and gluttony, which are roots of suffering (dukkha) according to Buddhism.
From the standpoint of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this action is not only a matter of conditions surrounding food, but also concerns the training of the mind. A bhikkhu practicing discipline (sīla) should maintain mindfulness (sati) and clear comprehension (sampajañña) in every daily action, even the smallest actions such as eating. Licking the hands reflects the loss of mindfulness and allows the mind to be governed by the senses.
The Vinaya Piṭaka records that the Buddha established rules so that bhikkhus would avoid such behavior, because it weakens mental cultivation. Those who have gone forth should eat in accordance with the noble Dharma, with contentment and without craving for more.
Practical Meaning
The meaning of Hatthanillehaka does not lie in the physical act itself, but in the deep seeing of the mental state we are nourishing.
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