Swaying the head (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK19)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on laughing loudly

Swaying the head

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 swaying and tilting their heads while walking in inhabited areas. …

Final ruling

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

One should not sway one’s head while walking in an inhabited area;

one should walk keeping one’s head straight.

If a monk, out of disrespect, sways and tilts his head 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 ninth training rule is finished.