San Lo Bu Pm Sk 13Swinging the Arms
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bāhuppacālaka
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Bāhuppacālaka Discourse: Explanation According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka
Background
The Bāhuppacālaka discourse (Pāli: Bāhu + uppacālaka, meaning “actions related to the arms”) is part of the Pācittiya section in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition. The Vinaya was recorded in detail in order to govern the conduct of lay people and monastics (bhikkhus) in the Buddhist Sangha from the Buddha’s own lifetime.
Unlike theoretical scriptures (Sutta), the Vinaya Piṭaka focuses on specific rules of conduct. These regulations arose from particular situations that the Buddha witnessed, after which he issued rules to maintain discipline, harmony, and the purity of the Sangha. The Bāhuppacālaka discourse is in the Pācittiya chapter, offenses requiring confession, from the Pāli pācittiyaṃ, meaning “worthy of confession.”
Context of origin: The Buddha observed that some monastics had actions not in keeping with the solemnity of religious practice, especially gestures or unintentional actions that could cause misunderstanding or disturb the mind.
Main Content
The specific content of this discourse has not been fully translated in the supplied material. However, based on the context of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, regulations related to “swinging the arms” usually concern the actions of monastics while walking, standing, or sitting.
The Vinaya Piṭaka states in detail that a monastic needs to maintain khaggavisāṇasīla, virtue like a rhinoceros horn, that is, steadfast, dignified, and independent in conduct. Gestures such as swinging the arms too broadly or without care are considered violations of sucaritasaṅkhāra, wholesome bodily formations, or micchācarita, improper conduct.
The Buddha valued monastics maintaining a peaceful bearing (bhikkhusantuṭṭhi) not only in eating, dressing, and sleeping, but in every gesture. Such small regulations, though seemingly detailed, are the foundation for ājivaparisuddhiyā, purity of livelihood, and help monastics focus on the goal of liberation.
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