Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 132Crying

The Sutta on Crying (Rodana) - Explanation

Background

The Sutta on Crying is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Pātimokkha, the basic code, specifically among the Pācittiya rules, prohibitions requiring confession. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the foundation for governing the conduct of monks and nuns, in order to protect spiritual purity and maintain harmony in the practicing community.

The Pācittiya rules were formed from specific cases that occurred among the disciples, with the Buddha explaining and laying down rules step by step. The Sutta on Crying concerns the act of crying in certain situations, especially when it affects the calmness of mind and the discipline of practice. The purpose of this sutta is not to condemn human emotion, but to teach that a monastic must cultivate inner composure, even before sorrowful circumstances.

Main Content

According to the traditional Vinaya Piṭaka, crying at pure places such as the Bodhi tree or in the Dharma hall is regarded as conduct inappropriate to the respect and purity of such places. However, what is prohibited is not the emotion of crying itself, but the expression of excessive crying that causes disturbance or disrespect under certain conditions.

The rule states that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs should maintain concentration and mindfulness so as not to let negative emotions govern their actions. If a monastic cries inappropriately at sacred places or in unnecessary circumstances, that person must undertake confession to purify the fault.

This does not mean that Buddhism denies emotions or encourages unhealthy psychological suppression. Rather, the Vinaya teaches that a monastic must develop wisdom (paññā) and concentration (samādhi) to overcome afflictions, including sadness, grief, and longing.