Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Sk 41Stuffing Cheeks
Pāli / Sanskrit:Avagaṇḍakāraka
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Avagaṇḍakāraka Sutta — On Puffing Out the Cheeks
Background
This text is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the training rules for bhikkhus. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of injunctions for conduct and norms that the Buddha established for the monastic community in order to maintain discipline, purity, and harmony within the Sangha.
The occasion for the arising of this text concerns unsuitable conduct by certain bhikkhus in monastic life. Instead of focusing on cultivating virtue, practicing meditation, and developing wisdom, some members of the community displayed careless and disrespectful gestures. In particular, “puffing out the cheeks” (avagaṇḍakāraka) was regarded as an expression of undisciplined attitude, lack of dignity, or intentional loss of propriety within the monastic community.
The Buddha, with perfect wisdom, clearly understood that even such small behaviors, if not guided, would gradually weaken the spirit of practice and build harmful habits. Therefore, he taught detailed rules to help bhikkhus preserve virtuous dignity and solemnity in every step, every word, and every action.
Main Content
The text stipulates that bhikkhus should not puff out their cheeks intentionally or without reason. This action is considered an expression of disrespect toward the noble Dharma, of indiscipline, and of a lack of dignity in one who has gone forth. It may cause discomfort to fellow practitioners, disturb the quiet environment of practice, and, more importantly, reflect a mind that has not yet been disciplined.
The text teaches that every bodily gesture of a bhikkhu carries significance. The way one walks, sits, chews food, and even holds the face, all are part of the practice of sati (mindfulness). When sati is fully practiced, a monastic will naturally observe these precepts without needing anyone to remind him. Puffing out the cheeks, though small, is a sign of negligence in mindfulness, a gap where laziness (kosajja) and heedlessness (muṭṭhassatitā) may grow.
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