Lzh Mi Bi Pm Sk 34Swinging the Arms (2nd)

An Explanation of the Dutiyabāhuppacālaka Sutta

(The Second Sutta on Swinging the Arms)

Background

The Dutiyabāhuppacālaka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon—the collection of rules of training and behavioral discipline for monks and nuns in the Sangha. This sutta is part of the regulations on proper conduct for those gone forth, especially regarding bodily postures and movements considered appropriate to the spirit of practicing the Buddha Dharma.

The title "The Second Sutta on Swinging the Arms" (Dutiyabāhuppacālaka) indicates that this is a second version of a rule related to the movement of the arms (bāhu). In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, such details are not meaningless, but reflect specific cases that the Buddha resolved in order to maintain respect and dignity within the Sangha.

Main Content

The Vinaya Piṭaka often records specific events: a certain bhikkhu acted improperly, the Buddha became aware of it, and then he established a rule (Pātimokkha) to correct the conduct. The Dutiyabāhuppacālaka Sutta is most likely about ways of swinging the arms while walking or in daily activities that were regarded as lacking dignity.

Specifically, this sutta may concern swinging the arms too high, too widely, or in a manner that draws attention and is unsuitable to the image of a practitioner seeking stillness and not display. In Theravāda Buddha Dharma, bodily behavior is regarded as an expression of the mind. Waving and coarse movements do not reflect the mindful and steadfast mind that one gone forth should cultivate.

This rule may also relate to specific situations in the Sangha—such as during ceremonies, while going for alms, or in interactions with laypeople—where dignified and calm conduct is very important for maintaining reverence toward the Three Jewels.

Practical Meaning

Although this sutta emphasizes formal details, it carries a deep lesson: the practice of the Buddha Dharma is not only internal, but begins with the body.