Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 92Crying

The Sutta on Crying (Rodana) — Exposition of the Vinaya Piṭaka

Background

The Sutta on Crying (Rodana, Pāli: रोदन) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the code for women monastics, or the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha, the code for male monastics. This rule belongs to the group of lighter violations (Pācittiya), actions requiring confession when a fault is committed.

The background for the appearance of this rule is connected with the need to maintain discipline and the quality of mental composure within the Sangha. When the Buddha and his disciples lived together in a community of practice, unsuitable behaviors, even if seemingly small, could affect the environment for meditation and mental concentration. Therefore, the Buddha issued rules to regulate the daily conduct of monastics.

Main Content

The rule of Rodana (crying) forbids monks and nuns from crying in certain situations, especially crying for trivial, useless reasons or because of selfish desires. The act of crying here is not only about flowing tears, but also includes expressions of unstable emotion, self-abasement, or useless fits of agitation.

According to the spirit of the Theravāda Vinaya, a practitioner who has gone forth to seek liberation should maintain mental calm (upekkhā, equanimity, impartiality). Crying often arises from uncontrolled emotions, from greed, hatred, delusion, or attachment to the world. Such actions shake the mind of practice, disturb concentration in meditation, and create a confused mental environment for the community of practice.

Exceptions may be recognized when crying arises from extreme events or from deep understanding of real suffering, such as when approaching right view regarding the Four Noble Truths, but daily crying out of regret, fear, or trivial desires should be managed and restrained.

Practical Meaning

The Rodana rule is not irrational emotional suppression or coldness.