Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Sk 15Swaying (2nd)

The Second Kāyappacālaka Sutta (Dutiyakāyappacālaka)

Background

The Dutiyakāyappacālaka (the second Kāyappacālaka) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon and reflects rules of practice concerning bodily actions in the early Buddhist community. Following the Prathamakāyappacālaka (the first kāyappacālaka), this discourse continues the guidance on how to use the body in a way suitable to Buddhist ethics.

The words kāya (body) and pacālaka (shaking, movement) suggest that this discourse concerns bodily actions, gestures, and movements. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, these are detailed rules intended to protect the order and morality of the Sangha. These rules are not arbitrary prohibitions, but the result of specific situations arising in the life of practice, for which the Buddha gave guidance.

Main Content

The specific content of this discourse has not been fully translated in the available materials; however, based on the context of the early Vinaya Piṭaka, Dutiyakāyappacālaka continues the principles concerning bodily action (kāya-karma) established in the preceding discourse.

In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, bodily actions are examined in detail through three aspects: intention (cetanā), the manner of performance, and their effect on the community and the public. The rules concerning bodily gestures include details such as sitting, standing, walking, doing labor, and eating and drinking in different situations.

The discourse emphasizes that a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī needs to govern the body with care and awareness (sampajañña). This not only creates a positive image of the Sangha before the community, but also helps the practitioner develop self-discipline and respect for the fundamental principles of Buddhism.

Practical Meaning

Although this discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka to regulate the activities of the monastic Sangha, its profound principles have value for all who study the Buddha-Dharma.