Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on hands on hips

21. The training rule on hands on hips

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 had their hands on their hips while walking in inhabited areas. …

Final ruling

“‘I will not have my hands on my hips while walking in inhabited areas,’ this is how you should train.”

One should not have one’s hands on one’s hips while walking in an inhabited area.

If a monk, out of disrespect, has one or both hands on his hips 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 first training rule is finished.