Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 76Talking In the Open

The Discourse on Speaking in the Open Air (Ajjhokāsasallapana)

Background

Ajjhokāsasallapana (speaking in the open air) is a regulation in the Theravāda Buddhist Vinaya Piṭaka, recorded in the Pātimokkha, the basic code for bhikkhus. This discourse arose from a specific event during the Buddha's lifetime, when bhikkhus acted in ways unsuitable to the discipline, leading to the Buddha's intervention and teaching in order to preserve the purity of the Sangha.

The Vinaya Piṭaka is divided into three main parts: Pātimokkha (the code), Vibhaṅga (detailed explanation), and Parivāra (appendix). Ajjhokāsasallapana is found among the Pācittiya rules, called Pc, regulations concerning ordinary actions, usually lighter in nature than grave violations but still requiring healing through confession and apology.

Main Content

The rule on "speaking in the open air" concerns bhikkhus not engaging in useless or unsuitable conversations in public places where the people may hear. Specifically, this emphasizes that bhikkhus, when in an open environment, must be careful about their words because they can affect people's trust in the Sangha.

According to the Theravāda tradition, the rule prescribes that bhikkhus should not speak words that are:

• Outside topics concerning the Dharma (Dhamma)
• Unrelated to training or discipline
• Capable of lowering the honor of the Sangha in the eyes of the people
• Sectarian gossip or useless talk

This does not completely forbid communication, but requires bhikkhus to be aware of the public context and of their ethical responsibility. When speaking in the open air, the practitioner must maintain a dignified bearing, and speech must reflect practice and understanding of the Dharma.

Practical Meaning

Ajjhokāsasallapana teaches us the importance of mindfulness (sati) in daily speech. For modern practitioners, this discourse applies not only to bhikkhus but also offers guidance to all who follow Buddhism on how to govern speech.