Lzh Dg Bi Vb Sk 44Poking Tongue

Sutta on the Tongue (Jivhānicchāraka)

Background

The Sutta on the Tongue is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Sutta Vibhaṅga (detailed analysis of the training rules). This sutta arose from a specific situation in the Buddha’s Sangha, when a bhikkhu committed an offense through disrespectful and tactless bodily conduct.

According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, these regulations were established by the Buddha to protect the integrity of the Sangha and educate his disciples in decorum and mutual respect. Each rule (sikkhapadā) arises from actual events, reflecting the Buddha’s wisdom in guiding the practicing community.

Main Content

The Sutta on the Tongue concerns an action considered tactless and discourteous within the community of bhikkhus. Specifically, it is the act of sticking out the tongue in a vulgar or provocative way, especially in interactions with senior monks or during formal Dharma meetings of the Sangha.

This action is regarded as lacking reverence and capable of creating division and loss of unity in the Sangha. The Buddha, with boundless wisdom and compassion, pointed out that small actions lacking decorum in this way gradually damage the spirit of practice and mutual respect.

This regulation is not harsh condemnation, but educational guidance, helping bhikkhus understand that body, speech, and mind must be carefully controlled. Guarding the mouth is not only restraining speech, but also restraining bodily gestures that cause discourtesy.

Practical Meaning

From the perspective of Buddhist practice, the Sutta on the Tongue teaches a profound lesson about the importance of carefulness and decorum in every action, however small. Any gesture we make affects the spiritual atmosphere of the community and affects others.