Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Sk 36Arms Akimbo (2nd)

Dutiyakhambhakata Sutta: The Second Crossing of the Hands

Background

The Dutiyakhambhakata Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the analysis of the rules for bhikkhunīs. The establishment of the disciplinary rules in the Vinaya Piṭaka was not meant to constrain, but to protect the Sangha and maintain the spirit of pure practice. This sutta concerns a specific rule about the bodily posture of bhikkhunīs in daily life.

Khambhakata, or Khambhaka, refers to the posture of crossing the two hands over the chest, an action regarded as unsuitable for the renunciant way of life. The notation “second” (Dutiya) indicates that this is a revised or clarified version of that rule. This context reflects the concern of Theravāda Buddhism for the attitudes, gestures, and outward appearance of renunciants, since these directly affect the reverence of the Buddhist community and the purity of the Sangha.

Main Content

This sutta teaches that a bhikkhunī should not cross her hands over her chest while walking, standing, or in public places. This posture is considered undignified, suggesting arrogance or laxity, contrary to the humility and self-discipline of a renunciant.

The Pāli Vinaya distinguishes between acts that are “unseemly” (malaññatā), actions not in accord with the image of a renunciant, and acts that involve real moral imbalance. Dutiyakhambhakata emphasizes that bhikkhunīs need to maintain dignity and be conscious of how they present themselves to the outside world. This is not a trivial matter of appearance, but an expression of inner mindfulness and outward orientation.

This rule is part of the Sekhiya Dhamma, the rules of conduct, intended to train bhikkhunīs to control the mind through control of bodily action. According to the Buddha-Dharma, mind and body are not separate: a modest, dignified bodily posture nourishes a corresponding state of mind.