Xct Mu Bu Pm Sk 64Licking the Hands
Pāli / Sanskrit:Hatthanillehaka
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Hatthanillehaka Sutta (Licking the Hands)
Background
This sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the section regulating the conduct of the Sangha in the Theravāda tradition. The scriptural context arises from an incident in the monastic community in the time of the Buddha. The sutta is not a direct discourse on Dharma, but a legal occasion in the Vinaya (Vinaya khandhaka), recording regulations established to protect the purity of the Sangha.
The name “Licking the Hands” (Hatthanillehaka) refers to the inappropriate action of a monk or nun, using the body or speech in an improper way and violating the principles of practice. This background reflects the Vinaya Piṭaka’s deep concern with every aspect of monastic life, from the smallest action to major issues of discipline.
Main Content
This sutta records a disciplinary violation that the Buddha had to address. The central issue revolves around a monk or nun who performed a careless or negligent action, described through the image “licking the hands,” which may be understood as an indecent, disrespectful, or uncontrolled action.
The Vinaya Piṭaka does not simply list forbidden actions, but also points out the motivation behind them. Every rule is laid down to protect inner purity (cetanā) and preserve the honor of the Sangha. The Buddha not only criticized the action but also guided the correction of the mind through mindfulness (sati) and right view (sammā-diṭṭhi).
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, these regulations are divided according to the degree of offense (pārājika, saṅghādisesa, and so forth). The Hatthanillehaka Sutta is intended to educate monks and nuns to understand that every action of body, speech, and mind affects one’s own journey to liberation and the faith of the Buddhist community.
Practical Meaning
This sutta teaches that practice is not only about meditation or studying scripture, but begins with discipline in daily action. Every gesture and every word must be carefully considered.
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