Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 43Swinging the Arms
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bāhuppacālaka
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BĀHUPPACĀLAKA SUTRA — EXPLANATION
Background
The Bāhuppacālaka Sutra (Pāli: bāhu = arm; uppacālaka = swinging/flinging) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the regulations related to nuns. This is part of the system of training rules for the early Buddhist Sangha, intended to maintain discipline and purity in communal practice.
The background for the establishment of this sutra is connected with the Buddha's setting forth rules of conduct for bhikkhunīs. According to the Theravāda tradition, these regulations were built up step by step by the Buddha, not as added legislation, but as practical guidance so that female monastics could practice the Dharma in a safe, wholesome way and remain focused on liberation. This sutra concerns actions that are undignified or unsuitable to the attitude of practice of a bhikkhunī.
Main Content
The Bāhuppacālaka Sutra centers on swinging the arms, flinging the arms, or making uncontrolled and undignified arm movements in the Sangha. Specifically, the sutra states that actions such as raising the arms high, flinging the arms about carelessly, or making rough arm movements are expressions of a lack of self-restraint and a lack of inner acceptance of discipline.
The Buddha taught that such movements are not suitable for the status of a bhikkhunī, one who has gone forth to follow the path. They are not merely graceless actions, but also reflect a heedless state of mind, lack of mindfulness, and failure to preserve the image of a practitioner. The sutra warns that uncontrolled movements of the body can lead to loss of mental concentration and obstruct meditation and practice.
Therefore, the Buddha Dharma requires bhikkhunīs to guard action, speech, and mind continuously. Every bodily movement is observed as an opportunity to practice mindfulness, from how one walks, how one places the hands, to how one looks respectfully.
Practical Meaning
The profound meaning of the Bāhuppacālaka Sutra lies in recognizing that Buddhist practice is not only concentration of the mind in meditation, but must penetrate every movement of the body.
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