Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 60Stuffing Cheeks
Pāli / Sanskrit:Avagaṇḍakāraka
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SUTTA ON REALIZATION CONCERNING IMPROPER SPEAKING BEHAVIOR (Avagaṇḍakāraka)
Background
This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a collection of rules of practice established by the Buddha to govern the communal life of monks and nuns. “Stuffing the cheeks” (avagaṇḍakāraka), in other words speaking with the mouth full of food, is recorded as behavior inappropriate to the discipline of renunciation.
The background of this rule arose from specific situations in the monastic community, when some bhikkhus did not observe basic standards of etiquette and solemnity. The Buddha created these regulations not out of severity, but to protect the dignity of the teaching, preserve harmony in the Sangha, and help practitioners develop the necessary qualities of kindness.
Main Content
The rule concerning “stuffing the cheeks,” or speaking while holding food in the mouth, belongs to behaviors considered uncultured and lacking sense restraint. When a bhikkhu speaks while holding food in his mouth, grains of rice or bits of food may fly out, causing discomfort to those nearby and showing a lack of dignity.
Moreover, this behavior is related to the concept of “external impropriety” (bahiriddha), meaning outward actions that do not accord with the appearance of a renunciant. The discipline regarding how to handle food, how to sit, and how to speak, all these details have the purpose of training the mind and the sense faculties.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, minor violations such as this may lead to subtle consequences intended to help the practitioner become aware of his fault. This rule also reflects a broader principle: a Buddhist should reflect before acting, govern the sense faculties, and maintain dignity in every action.
Practical Meaning
Although this sutta seems to speak about a small detail, it carries profound meaning. It teaches us that no action is so small that it is unworthy of attention on the path of practice.
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