Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on laughing loudly

18. The second training rule on 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 sitting in inhabited areas. …

Final ruling

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

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

one should sit keeping one’s arms steady.

If a monk, out of disrespect, swings and dangles his arms while sitting 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 he has entered his dwelling;

if there is an emergency;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The eighth training rule is finished.