Ka Bu Pm Sk 53Poking Tongue

Explanation of the Jivhānicchāraka Sutta (The Discourse on the Tongue Protruding)

Background

This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically to the Khandaka section. These are disciplinary regulations established by the Buddha to protect the purity of the Sangha and teach his disciples self-restraint. The Jivhānicchāraka Sutta (jivhā = tongue, nicchāraka = protruding or slipping out) records a specific situation through which the Buddha taught about inappropriate behavior by bhikkhus in communal life.

The background arose from some bhikkhus behaving without dignity, often in connection with lack of self-restraint and disrespect in deportment. The action of “the tongue protruding” generally indicates discourtesy, impropriety, or provocative behavior. The Buddha, as the supreme Teacher of the Sangha, clearly recognized that such actions affected the concentration of the community and the shared spirit of practice.

Main Content

According to the rules in the Vinaya Piṭaka, actions similar to the action of “the tongue protruding” are regarded as improper (duccarita) in the body, speech, and mind of a bhikkhu. Such behavior includes disrespectful gestures, irreverence toward the Three Jewels or fellow practitioners, and expressions unsuitable to a religious appearance.

The Buddha taught that bhikkhus need to cultivate sīla (ethics) by overcoming these behaviors. Sīla is not only obedience to prohibitions, but an active practice that nurtures purity of mind, courtesy, and respect. A bhikkhu needs to guard body, speech, and thought so that they accord with the discipline (vinaya) and the spirit of practice.

This discourse also emphasizes the importance of “huelayo” (shame), the awareness of wrong actions and inward self-restraint. This is not out of fear of punishment or criticism, but because one clearly understands the value of concentration and progress on the path of practice.