Lzh Dg Bu Pm Sk 23Not Noisy (2nd)

Sutta Dutiyaappasadda (Not Noisy – The Second Time)

Background

The Dutiyaappasadda Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the collection of early scriptures concerned with monastic discipline. The term "appasadda" (little noise, little clamor, or little disturbance) is one of the important elements in the Buddha's governance of the monastic community. The occurrence of "the second time" (dutiya) indicates that this is an instance in which the Buddha repeats or further clarifies a principle of practice relating to silence and discipline.

In the context of the early Saṅgha, matters concerning noise and clamor arising from recitation, communal life among large numbers of people, and the conduct of novice monastics could easily give rise to disturbances. The Buddha emphasized that a Saṅgha that develops in a sustainable and enduring manner must be founded upon discipline, mutual respect, and the avoidance of disturbance to one another as well as to those outside the community.

Principal Content

This sutta arises from a specific incident within the Saṅgha, in which the bhikkhus failed to observe the principle of not causing noise. This may have taken the form of speaking loudly, laughing and teasing, running about, or other actions causing disturbance. The Buddha admonishes for the second time that a true monastic must restrain his own sounds, preserve quietude, and cultivate a disposition of composure (samāhita—collected, concentrated).

The silence or "appasadda" referred to here is not merely physical quietness, but also a state of mind. It relates to restraint, mindfulness (sati—recollection, right mindfulness), and moment-to-moment observation of one's actions. A Saṅgha that is "not noisy" is one in which every member is fully attentive to his or her gestures, speech, and thoughts, thereby creating a favorable environment for practice.

Practical Significance

The significance of this sutta extends beyond the simple suppression of outward noise.