Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on laughing loudly

15. The training rule on swaying the body

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 leaning their bodies while walking in inhabited areas. …

Final ruling

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

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

one should walk keeping one’s body straight.

If a monk, out of disrespect, sways and leans his body 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 fifth training rule is finished.