Bu Sk 4747. Shaking the hand
Pāli / Sanskrit:Hatthaniddhunaka
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The Discourse on Shaking the Hand (Hatthaniddhunaka)
Background
The Discourse on Shaking the Hand is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Bhikkhunī Sutta section of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It is a disciplinary regulation aimed at protecting purity and integrity within the monastic community.
According to its historical context, this discourse arose from an incident that occurred during the time of the Buddha at Sāvatthi. A bhikkhunī performed the action of shaking the hand (hatthaniddhunaka) toward another bhikkhunī, an action understood as a gesture inconsistent with the monastic code of discipline. The Buddha specifically admonished on this matter, thereby giving rise to a particular rule within the Vinaya Piṭaka.
The action of "shaking the hand" here is not merely an incidental gesture; rather, it is considered within the context of physical interaction among members of the monastic community. The Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism is highly detailed regarding bodily actions, for purity of body, speech, and mind is the very foundation of spiritual practice.
Main Content
The Discourse on Shaking the Hand establishes that monastics should not perform bodily gestures such as shaking the hand toward one another casually, particularly gestures that may draw attention or create an inappropriate familiarity. Such an action is regarded as a transgression of the Pātimokkha (Paṭimokkha) — the fundamental rules of the monastic code.
The Buddha taught that the action of shaking the hand may be interpreted in various ways, ranging from a simple bodily gesture to an expression of contempt or the creation of ambiguity regarding one's intentions. In particular, within the context of a monastic community living in close proximity, clarity and proper conduct are of great importance for maintaining mutual respect and integrity.
The rule stipulates that this action is considered a specific offense (which may be a Pācittiya or another category of offense depending on the school). The Buddha emphasized that members of the Saṅgha must be mindful of all their actions — not only the major ones, but also those gestures that might appear trivial.
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