Dhammapada Verse 362
Hamsaghatakabhikkhu Vatthu
Hatthasamyato padasamyato
vacasamyato samyatuttamo
ajjhattarato samahito
eko santusito tamahu bhikkhum.
Verse 362. The True Monk
With hands controlled and feet controlled,
in speech as well as head controlled,
delighting in inward collectedness
alone, content, a bhikkhu’s called.
Explanation: He who controls his hands, controls his foot, controls
his speech, and has complete control of himself; who finds delight
in insight development practice and is calm; who stays alone and is
contented they call him a monk.
The Story of a Bhikkhu Who Killed a Swan (Hamsa)
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse
(362) of this book, with reference to a bhikkhu who killed a
swan.
Once there was a bhikkhu who was very skilful in throwing stones;
he could even hit fast-moving objects without fail. One day, while
sitting with another bhikkhu after having their bath in the
Aciravati River, he saw two swans flying at some distance. He told
his friend that he would get one of the swans by throwing a stone
at it. At that instant, the swan, hearing voices, turned its neck
and the bhikkhu threw a pebble at the bird. The pebble went through
one eye and came out of the other eye of the bird. The bird cried
out in pain and agony and dropped dead at the feet of the young
bhikkhu.
Other bhikkhus seeing the incident took the young bhikkhu to the
Buddha. The Buddha reprimanded him and said, "My son, why have you
killed this bird? Why especially you, a member of my Order, who
should be practising loving-kindness to all beings and who should
be striving ardently for liberation from the round of rebirths?
Even during the period outside the Teaching, the wise practised
morality and observed the precepts. A bhikkhu must have control
over his hands, his feet and his tongue."
Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows:
Verse 362: He who controls his hand, controls his foot, controls
his speech, and has complete control of himself; who finds delight
in Insight Development Practice and is calm; who stays alone and is
contented; — him they call a bhikkhu.