Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 46Laughing Loudly (2nd)

THE SECOND SUTTA ON LOUD, DERISIVE LAUGHTER (DUTIYAUJJAGGHIKA)

Background

The Dutiyaujjagghika Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the genre of legal texts in early Buddhism. In the context of the early community of monks and nuns, the Buddha established rules of practice in order to maintain discipline, nourish compassion, and create a firm ethical foundation for the Sangha.

The phrase “loud, derisive laughter” (ujjagghika) indicates loud, careless, or undignified laughter, an action that may seem harmless but reflects a state of mind not yet collected or tamed. The second occurrence (dutiya) in the title indicates that this is a repeated case or situation, perhaps the second time someone committed a similar fault, or a second variant of a rule.

This sutta belongs to the context of the Buddha living with his disciples in the western regions or other places, where practical situations arose from human behavior and he established concrete teachings as guidance.

Main Content

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka tradition, the Dutiyaujjagghika Sutta records a rule related to derisive, loud, or inappropriate laughter within the community of monks and nuns. The Buddha recognized that when bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs laugh without dignity, this can distract the spirit of practice, disturb concentration in meditation, and create an atmosphere unsuitable for a practicing community.

This rule is not a complete prohibition of smiles or joy, but guidance on moderation and mindfulness in action. A natural, gentle smile reflects a peaceful and joyful mind, but loud laughter producing careless noise is a sign of loss of vigilance and lack of respect.

The sutta teaches that members of the renunciant community should preserve their pure and wholesome image. Every action and every sound is to be attended to, because they affect other members of the community and the lay people outside.