Morality and Monasticism: Reflections on Aṅgulimāla in Early Buddhism

Buddhist literature portrays Aṅgulimāla as a terrifying bandit who killed and wore the fingers of his victims as a garland. After meeting the Buddha, he reforms and becomes a renowned monk. This article analyses the narrative of Aṅgulimāla in the Pāli Canon and its commentaries, illustrating how early Buddhism dealt with the moral and ethical dilemmas of ordaining a former bandit. The narratives shifted the perception of Aṅgulimāla in the eyes of the hostile public. They provided explanations for his actions and tempered his fearsome character by showing that he was a victim of the vindictive schemes of his teacher and jealous peers. Aṅgulimāla’s role as a “healer-monk” after becoming a bhikkhu further highlighted his complete moral transformation. He helped a pregnant woman deliver her child through the power of a paritta, or protective verse. The Aṅgulimāla Paritta became known for protecting women during pregnancy and childbirth, exemplifying the association of Buddhist monasticism with medicine and healing. The article suggests that the Buddha’s intervention was influenced by the socio-economic disruptions caused by Aṅgulimāla’s actions. Looking into the debates surrounding Aṅgulimāla’s identity and religious background, the article points out his possible connections to samaṇa traditions, particularly the Ājīvikas. It further explores the theme of maternal compassion, reflected in the figure of Aṅgulimāla’s mother, and draws parallels between mother’s love and the Buddha’s universal love. Thus, through the study of the Aṅgulimāla legend, the article examines Buddhism’s approach to crime and reformation, ethics, gender, and narrative strategies within the textual traditions.