Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 176Walking Sensuously

Sutra on Walking Sensuously

Background

This sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha, the fundamental code for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. Its content concerns conduct in the daily life of renunciants, regulated by the Buddha in order to cultivate body, speech, and mind and to protect the Dharma-nature of the community.

The historical background shows that these disciplinary rules arose from specific events. When a bhikkhu acted in a way not in accord with the spirit of renunciation, or caused harm to the image of the Sangha, the Buddha established a corresponding rule. The act of “walking sensuously” was warned against by the Buddha because it reflects a mind still governed by sensual desire, unsuitable for the spirit of a practitioner.

Main Content

This sutra likely indicates that a bhikkhu should not walk in a seductive, provocative, or sensually expressive manner in daily movements. The word “sensuously” here refers to actions that display sensuality, deliberately attracting attention through walking and gestures meant to leave an arousing impression.

The basic principle is that a bhikkhu should maintain a dignified bearing, mindful that he has abandoned the pleasures of household life. The ways of walking, standing, sitting, and lying down (iriyāpatha) of a monastic must reflect purity and concentration in practice. This rule is not only about outward conduct, but also about self-control of the mind. If someone still intends to arouse desire through the manner of walking, this shows that the mind has not truly renounced such sensual pleasures.

The rule also has a deeper dimension: it educates the practitioner to be attentive to the process of self-awareness, observing the mind with each movement of the body, rather than letting the mind drift toward lax and suggestive things.

Practical Meaning

The meaning of this rule goes beyond sectarian regulations and becomes a genuine instrument of practice.