Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 63Poking Tongue
Pāli / Sanskrit:Jivhānicchāraka
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Interpretation of the Jivhānicchāraka Sutta (Sutta on Poking Out the Tongue)
Context
The Jivhānicchāraka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, an important component of the Pāli Canon in the Early tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely law, but a comprehensive system of training that helps monks and nuns protect the mind and maintain discipline in the community of practice.
This text records a specific incident at the place where the Buddha and his disciples dwelt. The context raises the question of improper conduct by a monk, specifically the gesture of chewing or protruding the tongue in daily life. Although this action seems small, the Buddha regarded it as a matter worthy of attention because it relates to the dignity and discipline of the Sangha.
Main Content
The text describes a situation in which a monk has the habit of chewing the tongue or showing the tongue too freely, in a way not suitable to the standards of conduct for one who has gone forth. This action reflects a lack of care and a lack of heedfulness (appamāda) in daily activities. The Buddha did not allow this conduct to continue.
Instead of immediate imprisonment or expulsion, the Buddha established detailed rules (Sikkhāpada) to guide monks and nuns in controlling the body comprehensively. These rules aim to train restraint (saṃvara) in every action: walking, standing, sitting, lying down, and speaking.
In particular, standards concerning eating, speaking, and expression are set out in detail. The tongue must be restrained; one should not let the tongue protrude from the mouth while lying down, nor chew the tongue unconsciously. This is an expression of an unfocused mind and is contrary to sammā-vāyāma, right effort.
Practical Meaning
The Jivhānicchāraka Sutta teaches that practice of the Buddha Dharma is not only concerned with deep mental states, but also includes control of the body down to the smallest actions. Carefulness (appamāda) is the foundation of practice; no action is useless or too small to be neglected.
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