Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 22Swaying the Head (2nd)
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyasīsappacālaka
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Exposition of the Dutiyasīsappacālaka Sutta (The Second Swaying of the Head)
Background
The Dutiyasīsappacālaka Sutta (The Second Swaying of the Head) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma, where training rules and specific situations in the community of monks and nuns are recorded. This sutta concerns disrespectful bodily behavior in spiritual life, especially when practicing meditation or attending Dharma teachings.
In the context of the Sangha in the Buddha’s time, actions such as shaking the head, rolling the eyes, or expressing disrespect were regarded as violations of the spirit of practice. These are not grave moral faults, but they reflect lack of concentration, discipline, and respect for the Buddha-Dharma. The Vinaya Piṭaka records these norms to educate bhikkhus, bhikkhunīs, and serious practitioners in how to maintain integrity (sīla) and self-control (indriyasamvara).
Main Content
The Dutiyasīsappacālaka Sutta deals with the matter of shaking the head in certain situations. This action, though seemingly minor, has profound meaning in the context of Buddha-Dharma practice. When a bhikkhu shakes his head, whether from drowsiness, lack of concentration, or the expression of disagreement, it shows that the mind is unsettled and not fully present with the action or the Teacher’s instruction.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, regulations are divided into many levels: from actions needing correction or warning, to minor offenses (Dukkaṭa), or faults requiring confession and learning from experience. This sutta, identified as “the second time,” suggests that there are different situations or degrees of violation related to the same action. This classification allows the Sangha to understand clearly that a violation occurs only when there is intention, or when it happens in certain circumstances, so that it can be corrected without overly severe punishment.
Practical Meaning
The deeper intention of this sutta lies in training restraint of the sense faculties (indriyasamvara).
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