Lzh Dg Bi Vb Sk 15Swaying (2nd)
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyakāyappacālaka
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THE SUTTA ON SWAYING THE BODY FOR THE SECOND TIME
Exposition of Dutiyakāyappacālaka
Background
The “Sutta on Swaying the Body for the Second Time” (Dutiyakāyappacālaka) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon in the Theravāda tradition. This sutta is recorded among the regulations concerning bodily actions of those gone forth, especially in relation to the adjustment of posture and movement during practice.
The background for the appearance of this sutta is connected with specific situations in the early monastic community, when the Buddha saw that certain disciples made movements not in keeping with the ethics of a practitioner. The designation “second” (Dutiya-) indicates that this is one of the second versions or definitions of this issue in the Vinaya Piṭaka, reflecting the detailed classification of rules in the Vinaya tradition.
Main Content
This sutta revolves around the behavior of “swaying the body” (kāyappacālaka), that is, movements of swaying, spinning, or moving the body unnecessarily or inappropriately. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, these are not trivial actions but are seen as matters of disciplinary practice (śīla).
The Buddha taught that those gone forth should control their bodies in a wakeful and wholesome way. Actions such as shaking the body, spinning around, or making involuntary movements not only cause distraction in meditation but also reflect a mind not yet settled. This is an expression of greed, hatred, or delusion, the three basic poisons in the Buddha Dharma.
This regulation aims to nurture self-discipline (danda-samvara) in the community of monks and nuns, helping each practitioner develop the ability to manage bodily action. When the body is well controlled, the mind more easily enters deeper states of meditation and attains wisdom (paññā).
Practical Meaning
Though it appears to be a small regulation, this sutta carries a profound message about the role of bodily discipline in Buddhist practice. It does not forbid normal movements, but guides practitioners to live carefully and wakefully (sampajaññā) in every action.
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