Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 51Swaying the Head (2nd)
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyasīsappacālaka
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The Second Scripture on Swaying the Head (Dutiyasīsappacālaka)
Background
This scripture is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhuṇī Vibhaṅga or Khandaka, where regulations concerning the actions and postures of bhikkhunīs in the monastic community are discussed. The context in which this scripture appears is related to the need to guide bhikkhunīs clearly concerning postures and gestures that are unsuitable when practicing the Buddha-Dharma, especially in public activities and assemblies of the Sangha.
On some occasion, the Buddha observed that certain bhikkhunīs had the habit of swaying the head in a manner insufficiently dignified; this time (dutiya, second) is recorded separately. Therefore he set forth specific guidance to maintain dignity and mindfulness in the practice of the holy life. This reflects the view of the Theravāda tradition that bodily formations (kāya-saṅkhāra) directly influence mind and consciousness.
Main Content
The Dutiyasīsappacālaka scripture concerns one of the rules for regulating bodily action among female monastics. Bhikkhunīs are instructed not to sway the head too quickly, too much, or too casually, for these are not suitable actions for one who has gone forth. The head-swaying indicated in the scripture is an expression of lack of concentration, lack of mindfulness, or even a sign of arrogance, unsuitable to virtuous conduct.
The Vinaya Piṭaka often records specific events and then draws from them rules (Pātimokkha) intended to protect the spirit of training and maintain discipline. In this case, swaying the head is regarded as a bodily expression that must be restrained. The Buddha encourages bhikkhunīs to maintain firm mindfulness (sati) toward every movement of the body, not allowing bodily action to occur automatically without conscious management.
This regulation also reflects the philosophy that even actions seemingly small and trivial affect the mental state and the aim of concentration of the practitioner.
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