Lzh Mi Bu Pm Sk 47Not Noisy

THE SUTTA ON NOT BEING LOUD

Background

The Appasadda Sutta (Not Loud) belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka, the section regulating the principles of practice for monks and nuns. In the Theravada tradition of the Buddha-Dharma, the Vinaya Pitaka is not merely a set of mechanical prohibitions, but profound guidance helping practitioners build a harmonious community and a clear mind.

This text appears in the context of monks and nuns living together in the early Buddhist monasteries. At that time, the Blessed One saw that noise, haste, and clamor were great obstacles to concentration and clear awareness for students. Therefore, he taught the practice of “not being loud” (appasadda) as an essential foundation for genuine practice.

Main Content

The text teaches that a true practitioner must limit unnecessary noise in daily life. “Appasadda” (a-pa-sad-da) is understood as “not having loud sound” or “quiet.” This is not absolute silence or avoidance of necessary communication, but caution and respect in speech, action, and the surrounding environment.

According to Theravada teaching, these principles include: not speaking loudly, not laughing loudly, not calling out noisily, and not creating unnecessary sound in everyday activities such as walking, eating, or working. These principles apply especially during the evening hours, when monks, nuns, and female renunciants are practicing. The purpose is to create an environment supportive of the development of concentration (samadhi).

The text also makes clear that “not being noisy” is an expression of a mind that is not hurried, not greedy, and not afflicted. A practitioner with a peaceful mind will naturally not create useless noise. Conversely, outward silence serves as a tool for training inward stillness.

Practical Meaning

In the context of early practice, the practice of “Appasadda” is not severity or constraint, but love and respect toward others who are striving in practice.