Upp Sk 20Swaying (2nd)

Interpretation of Dutiyakāyappacālaka (Swaying the Body for the Second Time)

Background

Dutiyakāyappacālaka is found in the Uposathakkhandhaka (Chapter on Uposatha Days) of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the traditional Theravāda Vinaya. These are rules related to the proper practice of Buddhist discipline, especially discipline within the Sangha.

This text records a disciplinary incident related to the attitude of a bhikkhu. The word "kāyappacālaka" means "swaying the body" or "moving the body," indicating an action that expresses a disrespectful or irreverent attitude. The word "dutiya" (second time) shows that this is the second time a bhikkhu committed a similar fault, and therefore the disciplinary handling was raised to a more serious level.

This is not a discourse expounding the Dharma, but a disciplinary regulation in the Pātimokkha or principal rules of the Sangha, intended to maintain respect and order in the monastic community.

Main Content

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the act of "swaying the body" is considered an expression of irreverence toward the Dharma, one's preceptor, or the communal training systems. When a bhikkhu commits this fault for the first time, the Sangha usually gives gentle admonition. However, when the act is repeated (the second time), this shows that the bhikkhu is unwilling to correct himself, and therefore a stronger disciplinary measure is needed.

The disciplinary process in the Vinaya Piṭaka usually follows a graded principle. The first time, the offender receives a reminder or a mild form of separation (pabbājanīya). The second time, if he reoffends, he may undergo tajjanīya (censure) or heavier penalties such as probation (parivāsa), depending on the severity of the fault.

The purpose of these rules is not cruel punishment, but education. Buddhist discipline expects that bhikkhus who commit faults will correct themselves after the first warning.