Bu Sk 6060. Holding a weapon
Pāli / Sanskrit:Āvudhapāṇi
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The Discourse on Holding a Weapon (Āvudhapāṇi)
Background
The Discourse on Holding a Weapon is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically within the section on Bhikkhu Saṅghādisesa—offenses of a grave nature pertaining to monastics. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection governing the discipline of the Sangha, compiled on the basis of records of rules set forth by the Blessed One Gotama in the course of his teaching, in response to specific transgressions committed by his disciples.
The background of this discourse arises from an incident within the monastic community. When conflicts or internal disputes arose among groups of monastics, certain discontented individuals took up weapons—such as staffs, swords, or other implements of combat—with the intent to threaten or harm others. Such conduct violated the spirit of the Noble Dhamma, running contrary to the principles of compassion, forbearance, and harmony that the Buddha's teaching upholds. The Blessed One therefore established a rule concerning the holding of weapons, in order to protect the purity and peace of the Sangha.
Main Content
The Discourse on Holding a Weapon lays down that a bhikkhu is not permitted to take up, carry, or make use of any weapon whatsoever, whether that weapon is intended for attack or for self-defense. This prohibition applies in all circumstances, except where a justifiable reason is recognized by the Blessed One or by the Sangha.
The rule stipulates that if a bhikkhu takes up a weapon with the intention of threatening, causing harm, or creating an atmosphere of hostility, such an act constitutes a Saṅghādisesa—an offense requiring confession before the Sangha and compliance with the prescribed steps of rehabilitation. The gravity of the offense depends upon the intention, the duration for which the weapon is held, and the purpose for which it is used.
This rule is not merely a prohibition against a physical act; it is also directed at uprooting the mental tendencies of aggression, ill will, and excessive self-assertion. Therefore, even weapons carried for "defensive" purposes are prohibited, for they still signify the presence of violence within the mind.
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