Lzh Mg Bu Vb Sk 6Laughing Loudly

– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

– CLEARLY EXPLAINING THE BEGINNING PORTION OF THE SEKHIYA RULES:

6. "One must train: one should not laugh and jest when entering the home of a layperson."

Not laughing: If there is something worth laughing at, one must not laugh uproariously so as to expose one's teeth and gums, but must exercise restraint, and must contemplate impermanence, suffering, emptiness, and non-self, and reflect on death. If one cannot stop, one should bite one's tongue. If even then one cannot stop, one should use the corner of one's robe to cover one's mouth and gradually suppress the laughter. If one gives free rein to the sense faculties and laughs loudly when entering the home of a layperson, this constitutes disregard for the rule that must be trained in. Excepting those whose minds are deranged, there is no offense. Therefore it is said:

"One must train: one should not laugh and jest when entering the home of a layperson."

When the Buddha was residing in the city of Sāvatthī, as explained in detail above. At that time the group of six bhikkhus entered the homes of laypersons with their heads covered, and they were reproached by people of the world:

—Why do Samaṇas, sons of the Śākyas, enter the homes of laypersons in a manner as dissolute as that of courtesans, as spies of enemies, as newly wedded wives, as those who steal honey?

Then the people asked:

—Do the Venerables have an eye ailment? Are you afraid the sun will scorch your heads? Why do you cover your heads? These are corrupt persons — what teaching is there like this?

The bhikkhus then brought this matter and reported it to the Blessed One. The Buddha immediately instructed that the group of six bhikkhus be summoned. When they had come, the Buddha asked:

—Did this matter truly occur?

—It is truly so, Blessed One.

—From this day forward, you must not enter the homes of laypersons with your heads covered.

Thereupon, the Buddha commanded all the bhikkhus residing in the city of Sāvatthī to assemble together, and for the sake of ten benefits he laid down a training rule for the bhikkhus, which all must hear even if they have heard it before:

Vietnamese translation: Thích Phước Sơn. MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

Chinese translation: THE TRIPIṬAKA MASTER BUDDHABHADRA OF INDIA

TOGETHER WITH THE ŚRAMAṆA FAXIAN, TRANSLATED DURING THE EASTERN JIN DYNASTY

VERIFICATION OF MEANING: THÍCH ĐỖNG MINH