Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on laughing loudly

20. The second training rule on 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 hanging their heads while sitting in inhabited areas. …

Final ruling

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

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

one should sit keeping one’s head straight.

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

The second subchapter on laughing loudly is finished.