Lzh Mg Bu Pm Sk 10Arms Akimbo
Pāli / Sanskrit:Khambhakata
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Sutta Khambhakata — Arms Akimbo
Background
The Khambhakata Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, recorded among the rules of conduct for the Sangha. The content of this sutta appears in the context of the Buddha instructing the bhikkhus regarding gestures and postures unsuitable to the spirit of practice — particularly movements and attitudes that express disrespect or arrogance.
The title "Khambhakata" means "arms akimbo" or "arms folded," referring to the posture of standing with the arms clasped or folded in a manner that is self-deprecating or discourteous. This is a small detail yet rich in meaning, guiding the social conduct of the bhikkhus in order to protect the image of the Sangha and to cultivate a proper deportment of mind.
Main Content
This sutta records the instructions of the Buddha concerning bodily postures that are inappropriate in situations of meeting, moving about, or engaging with others. One of the points emphasized is the act of standing or sitting in the "khambhakata" posture — that is, with the arms folded or clasped in an unnatural manner, often accompanied by an expression of contempt or disrespect.
The Buddha points out that such gestures are not befitting a bhikkhu engaged in the practice of the Dhamma. Instead, bhikkhus should maintain an upright, composed bearing that expresses respect toward others and confidence in themselves. The manner of standing or sitting should be calm and self-assured without being haughty, humble without being timid.
This sutta forms part of the regulations concerning "Iriyāpatha" — the rules governing walking, standing, sitting, and lying down — the codes of meditation and proper deportment for bhikkhus in daily life. Through these small details, the Buddha teaches that practice does not concern only the mind, but is clearly expressed through every gesture of the body.
Practical Significance
The Khambhakata Sutta reminds practitioners that the Dhamma is not a matter of abstractions, but must be concretely expressed through one's actions, gestures, and attitude in everyday life.
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