Bu Sk 2121. Hands on hips

KHAMBHAKATA SUTTA (VINAYA PIṬAKA - BU SK 21)

Exposition of the Original Buddha-Dhamma

Background

The Khambhakata Sutta (Khambha = hand; Kata = placed) is one of the rules of deportment recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in particular the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga — the regulations pertaining to the bhikkhunīs. The Vinaya Piṭaka contains detailed teachings from the Buddha concerning conduct, dress, actions, and bodily deportment within the monastic community.

This sutta reflects the context in which the Noble Sangha was taking form during the early days of the Teaching. The Buddha established specific rules of conduct not only to maintain discipline, but also to create a respected image of those who have gone forth, to inspire reverence in the lay community, and to protect the purity of the Sangha.

Main Content

The Khambhakata Sutta admonishes bhikkhunīs not to place their hands on their hips when performing daily activities, especially during communal activities, recitation of suttas, or when meeting with lay persons.

This posture — hands on hips — is regarded as an expression of arrogance, a lack of humility, or a lack of mindful attention. It is not a posture befitting the spirit of practice of a bhikkhunī, one who has gone forth from the home life to pursue liberation.

Instead, the Buddha teaches that monastics should maintain a dignified and composed bodily posture, ever mindful of the movements of each part of the body. The hands should be held naturally, ready for work or almsround, and should not be held in postures that suggest provocation, inattentiveness, or self-satisfaction.

Practical Significance

This sutta teaches us that practice does not end with mental attention alone, but must extend to every detail of bodily conduct (kāya). Dignified deportment (sampanna-sampadā) is an essential foundation on the Noble Path of the Theravāda tradition.