Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Sk 16Swinging the Arms

Bāhuppacālaka Sutta — On Rules Concerning Bodily Movement

Background

The Bāhuppacālaka Sutta (Bāhu = arm; uppacālaka = movement, indicating swinging or motion) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic discipline. This discourse arose from practical situations in the community of monks and nuns of the Buddha, when questions concerning bodily movements, their nature and manner, became matters that needed clear regulation in order to maintain discipline and dignity.

In the context of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, these rules are not unreasonable restrictions, but practical instructions helping bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs practice with a pure mind, avoiding actions that may distract themselves or disturb the community of practice.

Main Content

Although the title of the discourse refers to “swinging the arms,” its deeper meaning concerns the control and adjustment of bodily movements in Buddhist practice. Rules about how to move the arms, legs, and whole body of a bhikkhu are given in order to:

First, preserve the dignity and discipline of the state of going forth. Movements that are overly coarse, ungainly, or unconsidered are seen as reflecting an unfocused mind lacking mindfulness (sati). A bhikkhu should move and act with clarity and self-mastery, expressing inner peace.

Second, avoid gestures that may be regarded as unseemly conduct toward those nearby. Thoughtless movements, especially actions that may make a poor impression in the eyes of worldly people, need to be restrained.

Third, bodily actions are seen as expressions of the mind. Swinging the arms casually or too rapidly not only reflects carelessness, but also shows a lack of awareness of one’s own action, something that Buddhist practice is determined to overcome.