Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 50Swaying the Head
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sīsappacālaka
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Exposition of the Sīsappacālaka Scripture (Swaying the Head)
Background
The Sīsappacālaka scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon of the Theravāda tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of rules and guidance on monastic discipline, set forth by the Buddha to maintain the purity of the Sangha, the community of practitioners. This scripture lies within the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha or rules concerning the appropriate conduct of monastics, especially bodily movements that should not be performed.
The title “Sīsappacālaka” means “swaying the head” or “unsteady movements of the head” (sīsa = head; appacālaka = shaking, movement). This scripture was established in the context of the Buddha and the Sangha governing the daily conduct of monastics in order to protect the dignified, disciplined, and concentrated character of the Sangha.
Main Content
The Sīsappacālaka scripture prescribes that monastics should not sway the head unconsciously or acknowledge error through uncontrolled head movement. This action is considered a form of thoughtlessness, lack of mindfulness (sati), or an expression of disrespect in contemplation.
Specifically, the scripture teaches that swaying the head continuously or without a definite purpose, as in those with seizures or uncontrolled nervous movements, is not suitable to the image and conduct of a Buddhist monastic. A monastic should keep the body dignified and calm, with self-knowledge and full control over the parts of the body.
This scripture is also related to not using head movements as a way to refuse responsibility, avoid questioning, or conceal the truth. Instead, monastics must use clear speech and straightforwardness (arjava) to communicate about matters related to practice.
Practical Meaning
From the perspective of early practice, the Sīsappacālaka scripture reminds us that control of the body is an important element in Buddhism. The indriyas, the faculties or senses, need to be protected through “indriya samvara,” restraint of the faculties.
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