Lzh Mg Bu Pm Sk 38Slurping

Surusurukāraka Sutta (The Discourse on Making Sounds While Eating)

Background

The Surusurukāraka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection of scriptures that governs the eating habits and conduct of monks and nuns within the Theravāda Buddhist Saṅgha. The Vinaya Piṭaka records in detail the rules of practice for the monastic community, ranging from the most fundamental prohibitions to matters requiring attention in daily life.

This sutta addresses what may appear to be a minor issue, yet one that is of the utmost importance in the practice of the Buddha's teaching — namely, the proper comportment during eating and drinking, and in particular the making of sounds or noise while drinking water or consuming food. These regulations are not intended to demean or to control, but rather serve as guidance to help practitioners cultivate virtue, mindful awareness, and respect in every small action.

Main Content

The Surusurukāraka Sutta prescribes that monks should not produce slurping sounds while eating or drinking (surusurukāraka — "making sounds on account of eating or drinking"). Such sounds are regarded as falling short of proper standards and as incompatible with the deportment of one who has gone forth in the holy life. They are a manifestation of inattentiveness or a lack of self-restraint.

This rule is not directed solely at the physical act itself, but also reflects the inner disposition of the practitioner. When one produces noise while drinking water or eating food, this is generally a sign of heedlessness, of a loosening of mental vigilance, or even of greed in eating. For one who practises the Buddha's teaching, every action — from each footstep to each meal — must be guided by mindfulness (sati) and clear comprehension (sampajañña).

This Vinaya rule also serves an educative purpose for the community as a whole. Minor rules such as this contribute to the creation of a pure environment for practice — one in which members of the Saṅgha are not distracted by unnecessary sounds and are able to maintain a composed and tranquil state of mind.

Practical Significance

The Surusurukāraka Sutta teaches that genuine practice of the Buddha's teaching does not consist in grand or transcendent matters, but begins with the most minute details of daily life.