Mpt Sk 28Swaying the Head
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sīsappacālaka
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Sīsappacālaka Sutta (The Sutta on Shaking the Head)
Background
The Sīsappacālaka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically to the Samantapāsādikā, a legal text of the Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. This is not a sutta in the sense of a discourse on Dharma, but a monastic regulation intended to protect the discipline of the community of monks and nuns.
The occasion arose from an event in the monastic community: a monk often shook his head during practice or in communal monastic life. Although this action may seem minor, it concerns matters of decorum, discipline of conduct, and mental concentration in practice. The word “Sīsappacālaka” (sīsa = head; pacālaka = shaking, trembling) directly describes this action.
The Buddha, understanding that a fourfold community of monastics should maintain a dignified and focused attitude, set forth a specific regulation concerning this matter. This rule reflects a fundamental principle of the Vinaya: discipline is protected not only in regard to harmful actions, but also in regard to actions that may create distraction or an impolite image before the public.
Main Content
The rule concerning “shaking the head” belongs to the class of dukkaṭa, an offense of wrong conduct; it is not a major offense, but still needs correction. A monastic should not shake the head carelessly, especially in situations such as the following:
When chanting or listening to the Dharma, shaking the head may express lack of concentration or lack of respect. In the context of Dharma practice, a calm mind and a steady body are necessary. The swaying of the head reflects wavering of the mind, or at least the appearance of such wavering.
When in contact with devotees or in public, the image of a monastic conducting himself or herself with dignity is very important. Unnecessary shaking of the head can make a poor impression and diminish the reverence of others.
In the communal life of the Sangha, each member should maintain a solemn attitude, thereby creating a wholesome environment for shared practice. Individual conduct has a collective effect.
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