Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Sk 17Swinging the Arms (2nd)

Explanation of the Dutiyabāhuppacālaka Sutta (The Second Swinging of the Arms)

Background

The Dutiyabāhuppacālaka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the rules concerning monastic discipline and ethics. The Vinaya Piṭaka records the Buddha’s teachings on how to behave, actions to avoid, and standards for governing the community of monks and nuns.

This discourse is recorded with the name “second” (Dutiya), showing that it is a second version of an instruction or rule related to the act of “swinging the arms” (bāhuppacālaka). In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, bodily actions such as swinging the arms are often considered in relation to contempt, lack of respect, or violation of major offenses leading to departure from the Sangha.

This is one of the practical disciplinary discourses concerning specific conduct of noble monks, reflecting the Buddha’s detailed concern for every aspect of the life of practice. The discourse is set within the community of monks and nuns of the Buddha, when disciples needed clear guidance about actions that should not be done.

Main Content

The specific content of this discourse concerns swinging the arms thoughtlessly or impulsively. According to the Vinaya tradition, swinging the arms (bāhuppacālaka) may be an expression of disdain, loss of control, or discourteous conduct toward others, especially toward the Buddha or elders.

This “second” version may refer to another circumstance or another degree of the same action, in order to clarify the specific boundaries of what is permitted and what is not permitted in the Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka often presents specific situations as illustrations, from which general principles are drawn.

This discourse emphasizes that even small actions, such as swinging the arms, reflect the mood and virtue of the practitioner. Control of body, speech, and mind (triṇ karma, the three karmas) is the foundation of moral conduct in Theravāda Buddhism.