Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 24Arms Akimbo
Pāli / Sanskrit:Khambhakata
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The Khambhakata Sutta (Crossed Arms)
Background
This rule appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection regulating the virtuous conduct of monks and nuns in the early Buddhist community. Specifically, it is recorded in texts concerning conduct unsuitable to the spirit of practice of a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī. The title “Khambhakata” means “crossed arms” or “arms held across,” indicating a particular bodily posture considered disrespectful or improper in monastic and Buddhist ceremonial contexts.
In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of strict rules but an expression of concentrated morality (sīla). Each rule arises from a specific incident witnessed by the Buddha, from which he gave guidance to train concentration, restrain body and speech, and cultivate conduct (ācāra), that is, civilized deportment.
Main Content
The rule concerning crossed arms (khambhakata) relates to bodily discipline when a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī participates in monastic activities or communicates with others. Crossing the arms over the body, an informal and irreverent manner of holding the hands, is regarded as an expression of negligence or poor decorum.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the specific acts prohibited include such actions in defined contexts, such as when receiving guests, attending ceremonies, or standing near someone of higher status in the monastic community. In particular, bhikkhus are taught to maintain a worthy posture: they may raise the hands respectfully, hold the robe, or let the hands hang naturally, but should not keep the arms crossed as if without foundation or as though displaying boredom.
This rule develops a broader philosophy: the small actions of the body reflect our mind and intention.
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