Lzh Dg Bi Pm Sk 15Swaying (2nd)

Exposition of the Dutiyakāyappacālaka Sutta (The Second Occasion Concerning Bodily Swaying)

Background

The Dutiyakāyappacālaka Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection that governs discipline and rules of practice within the Buddhist Sangha. This text belongs to the Pāṭimokkha section, or the precepts, where the Buddha sets forth training rules intended to protect the actions, speech, and mental conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.

This text concerns the matter of “bodily swaying” (kāyappacālaka), an action regarded as unsuitable for the attitude of pure practice. The word “Dutiya” (second) indicates that this is a repeated discussion or a second version of a similar regulation, reflecting the way the Vinaya Piṭaka often emphasizes a principle through different formulations to ensure deep understanding and full observance.

Main Content

In the context of the early Vinaya, “bodily swaying” is understood as uncontrolled or undignified bodily movements, such as jumping about, waving the hands aggressively, or making gestures lacking composure. This rule appears because bhikkhus need to maintain mental stability and pure conduct, which is especially important when living in a community of practice.

The text states clearly that a monastic should not allow the body to fall into an uncontrolled state or display undignified gestures in public. This is not because the body is evil, but because control of mind and body (cittakāya) is the foundation of all genuine practice. When the body is restrained, the mind can be peaceful and focused on the work of practicing the Four Noble Truths or meditation.

This rule also reflects a basic principle of the Vinaya Piṭaka: prohibitions are not meant to restrict freedom, but to create conditions for practice to develop. Each rule has a historical context, often that some bhikkhu committed a fault, brought disrepute upon the Sangha, and only then did the Buddha establish a regulation to prevent it.