Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 35Arms Akimbo
Pāli / Sanskrit:Khambhakata
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KHAMBHAKATA SUTRA (THE POSTURE OF FOLDED ARMS)
Background
The Khambhakata Sutra is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhu Vibhaṅga, the detailed regulations for bhikkhus. The background arose when the Buddha was staying somewhere with the community of bhikkhus, his disciples. This sutra concerns a basic matter of etiquette and respectful attitude in the assembly of the Sangha.
The word "Khambhakata" in Pāli means "bent arms" or "folded arms," a specific bodily posture. This posture reflects the manner in which a bhikkhu or devotee should present himself when standing before elders, persons worthy of respect, or senior teachers in the Sangha.
Main Content
This sutra teaches that when bhikkhus wish to show respect, ask permission, or speak about an important matter, they should stand in a respectful posture: the two hands joined before the chest, or in another version placed at one side of the body, with the head appropriately bowed. This is not a harsh legal demand, but an expression of respect and humility, two basic virtues in the Buddhist Sangha.
The Khambhakata posture, with the hands joined, is regarded as a spiritual symbol: when the two arms are folded, it symbolizes mental concentration, reverence, and the withdrawal of heedless gestures. It shows that the person standing has no aggressive intention, maintains a humble attitude, and is ready to listen. This is especially important in the environment of practice, where relationships between teacher and student and with senior monastics are built upon respect and order.
The Vinaya Piṭaka emphasizes that bodily postures of this kind are not merely social customs, but expressions of virtuous conduct. They help monastics train their minds, learn humility, and gradually build the qualities necessary for an authentic life of practice.
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