Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 26Swaying
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kāyappacālaka
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Kāyappacālaka Sutta (The Sutta on Bodily Swaying)
Background
The Kāyappacālaka Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the section regulating the discipline and conduct of monks and nuns. The name “Kāyappacālaka” means “swaying of the body” or “unstable bodily movement” — referring to actions or attitudes lacking self-control in the purity of bodily discipline (sīla).
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this text was recorded to teach monks and nuns to maintain bodily discipline and avoid actions that create a bad impression or violate the orientation of practice. This is one of the subtle rules of the Bhikkhunī Saṃgha, intended to protect the image of the Dharma and the respect of the community.
This text reflects the mind of the Buddha and the great disciples in maintaining a community of practice with strict discipline, while respecting human dignity and nurturing resolve (adhiṭṭhāna).
Main Content
The specific content of this text has not been fully translated. However, based on the title and its position in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the text centers on prohibiting actions that cause the body to sway or become unstable in public situations, especially when teaching the Dharma, spreading the teaching, or interacting with outsiders.
Regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka often concern:
First, avoiding uncontrolled gestures such as staggering, jumping about, or purposeless movement. Such actions are regarded as violations of purity of bodily conduct (kāyasaṃvara) and may create a poor impression of the Dharma.
Second, this regulation also relates to concentration of mind (samādhi). A monk or nun should maintain a calm and stable body, reflecting a settled mind trained through meditation.
Third, protecting the honor and reputation of the community of the Dharma. Swaying actions may cause misunderstanding or diminish the faith of the community of practitioners.
Practical Meaning
Although it is a Vinaya regulation for monks and nuns, the Kāyappacālaka Sutta has profound meaning for all who practice.
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