Lzh Mi Bu Pm Sk 20Swaying (2nd)

Dutiyakāyappacālaka Sutta — The Second Matter Concerning Bodily Movement

Background

The Dutiyakāyappacālaka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition and is located in the section regulating the discipline of the Sangha. This sutta records an event related to the bodily actions of bhikkhus, specifically the issue of “improving the body” or “bodily movement” (kāyappacālaka) in the context of practice and communal life among monks and nuns.

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, such suttas were usually given by the Buddha to instruct disciples in how to maintain the body in a proper, respectful manner in accordance with ethics. This is a fundamental part of practice, because from a calm and pure body, consciousness can develop.

Main Content

Although the specific content of this sutta has not yet been fully translated in common documents, based on its position in the Vinaya Piṭaka and the title “second,” it likely deals with how bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs should manage their bodily actions in certain situations.

In the Theravāda tradition, “bodily movement” (kāyappacālaka) is not merely physiological motion, but also includes the meaning of how actions are performed, whether they accord with the Dharma-Vinaya or not. This sutta may relate to specific situations in which bhikkhus need to adjust their conduct to avoid causing suspicion or violating the rules.

In particular, the recording of “the second” (dutiya) suggests that this sutta is a repeated reminder or clarification of a rule previously mentioned, showing the importance of this matter in the practice of the community of monks and nuns.

Practical Meaning

All suttas in the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially those concerning bodily movement, emphasize that Buddhist practice is comprehensive and begins with awareness of the body.