Lzh Dg Bi Pm Sk 13Arms Akimbo (2nd)

Explanation of the Dutiyakhambhakata Sutta (Folded Arms a Second Time)

Background

The Dutiyakhambhakata Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the collection of training rules and discipline for the Sangha. This text is recorded in the disciplinary writings for bhikkhunīs, female monastics, reflecting early Buddhism’s concern for maintaining the spirit of pure practice in the community of renunciants.

The title “Dutiyakhambhakata” (folded or crossed arms a second time) indicates a specific bodily action. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, such actions are often mentioned to illustrate expressions of an unsuitable state of mind or to educate practitioners in appropriate conduct within the monastic community. This sutta is part of a sequence of teachings on things to be avoided or conduct to be corrected.

Main Content

The specific content of this sutta has not been fully translated in the available sources. However, based on the context of the early Vinaya Piṭaka, suttas of the same kind usually concern outward actions that may reflect ignorance, arrogance, or disrespect.

The act of “folded arms a second time” (khambhakata for the second time) may indicate a way of raising the arms or a gesture expressing partiality, awkward stiffness, or lack of respect for the Dharma and the Sangha. In the Theravāda tradition, every bodily gesture is regarded as an expression of the mind. Therefore, the Buddha taught that bhikkhus should deeply observe every action and every step in order to nourish the mind of mindfulness and avoid ways of acting unworthy of the name of renunciant.

This sutta is part of the work of disciplinary education in the Sangha, not punitive in nature but intended to help monastics clearly recognize points that need correction in daily conduct.

Practical Meaning

The value of the Dutiyakhambhakata Sutta lies in emphasizing that practice of the Buddha-Dharma is not only inward, but must be expressed through action, speech, and intention.