San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Sk 27Swinging the Arms
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bāhuppacālaka
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The Bāhuppacālaka Discourse: Explanation According to the Pāli Canon Tradition
Background
The Bāhuppacālaka discourse (Pāli: bāhu = arm, uppacālaka = swinging, dancing) appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the rules of practice for monks and nuns. This is a small but meaningful discourse, recording the Buddha’s teachings connected with monastic deportment and discipline in the Sangha.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is the first collection in the Three Baskets and contains all the rules and guidance concerning the ethical life of monks and nuns. These Vinaya discourses are not merely dry prohibitions, but reflect the Buddha’s wisdom in guiding his disciples in practice. The Bāhuppacālaka discourse specifically concerns actions and gestures in the daily life of monks and nuns.
Main Content
The Bāhuppacālaka discourse records an event in the Sangha when the Buddha discovered that some monks and nuns had deportment inappropriate to practice. Specifically, they often swung their arms, danced, or made overly unrestrained gestures lacking dignity. These are actions that could diminish the majesty (ādibrahmacariya) of a practitioner and also cause the Buddhist laity to lose faith.
The Buddha examined the situation and discovered that these monks and nuns not only lacked discipline in deportment, but also lacked understanding of the basic rules of practice. Therefore, he issued teachings emphasizing the importance of calm, dignity, and self-mastery (dama) in every action. Monks and nuns must be aware that every gesture and every step is part of the path of practice and an expression of the Dharma (Dhamma).
This discourse also reminds those who live according to the Buddha-Dharma to preserve personal dignity (sīlabbatasucca), not only in order to obey the rules, but because these rules are deeply rooted in human psychology: they help the mind develop, benefit society, and create a foundation for awakening.
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