Swinging the arms (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK17)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on laughing loudly

Swinging the arms

Origin story

At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery.

At that time the monks from the group of six were swinging and dangling their arms while walking in inhabited areas. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not swing my arms while walking in inhabited areas,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not swing one’s arms while walking in an inhabited area;

one should walk keeping one’s arms steady.

If a monk, out of disrespect, swings and dangles his arms while walking in an inhabited area, he commits an offense of wrong conduct.

Non-offenses

There is no offense:

if it is unintentional;

if he is not mindful;

if he does not know;

if he is sick;

if there is an emergency;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The seventh training rule is finished.