Ka Bu Pm Sk 27Swaying
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kāyappacālaka
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Kāyappacālaka Sutta (The Discourse on Bodily Movement)
Background
The Kāyappacālaka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, one of the disciplinary rules of the Buddhist Sangha. The name “Kāyappacālaka” is translated as “the movement of the body” or “the swaying of the body,” from kāya (body) and pacālaka (swaying, shaking).
The rules in the Vinaya Piṭaka are not restrictions imposed from outside, but guidelines intended to help bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs maintain a pure and concentrated life and develop spiritually. This discourse is presented in the context of the Buddha guiding the Sangha concerning actions unsuitable for a true practitioner, especially actions related to moving, shaking, or manipulating the body in ways that diminish dignity.
Main Content
The Kāyappacālaka Sutta sets forth regulations concerning ways of using the body that are not appropriate according to the discipline of the Sangha. Specifically, the discourse reminds bhikkhus to avoid actions that shake, sway, or strongly move their own bodies or the bodies of others in a careless or disrespectful way. This includes actions such as jumping, swaying, or movements that are playful or crude and unsuitable to the status of a monastic.
These actions are regarded as contrary to the spirit of discipline because they do not reflect the mindfulness, care, and respect that a monastic must maintain. Moreover, they can lead to loss of concentration and cause distraction for oneself and those around one, especially those who are practicing.
This rule is also connected with the principle of “indriyasamvara,” restraint of the sense faculties. By managing the way the body is used, bhikkhus are encouraged to develop continuous mindfulness (sati) toward every action, from the smallest to the greatest.
Practical Meaning
The Kāyappacālaka Sutta teaches us that Buddhist practice does not stop at major actions, but also includes the smallest details of daily life.
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