BUDDHIST MONASTIC CODE I

Sekhiya Chapter 1017-18. I will not go [sit] swinging my arms in inhabited areas:a training to be observed.According to the Commentary, this means that one should keep one's arms still,although as the Vinaya-mukha points out, there is nothing wrong in swinging one'sarms slightly to keep one's balance as one walks. Sk 18, like Sk 4, does not applywhen one is sitting in one's residence in an inhabited area.19-20. I will not go [sit] swinging my head in inhabited areas:a training to be observed.This refers to swinging the head from side to side or letting it droop forward or back.Of course, there is no offense if one is dozing off, and like Sk 4, Sk 20 does notapply when one is sitting in one's residence in an inhabited area.21-22. I will not go [sit] with arms akimbo in inhabited areas: atraining to be observed.Akimbo means with the hand on the hip. This rule, the Vibhaṅga says, forbidshaving one arm or both arms akimbo. Sk 22 does not apply when one is sitting inone's residence in an inhabited area.23-24. I will not go [sit] with my head covered in inhabitedareas: a training to be observed.Covered here means covered with a robe, a scarf, or other similar piece of cloth. Sk24 does not apply when one is sitting in one's residence in an inhabited area. Theallowance for "one who is ill" under both rules means that one may cover one'shead when the weather is unbearably cold or the sun unbearably hot.25. I will not go tiptoeing or walking just on the heels in inhabitedareas: a training to be observed.This translation of the rule follows the Commentary.441