Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 82Talking In the Open
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ajjhokāsasallapana
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SUTTA ON TALKING IN THE OPEN (Ajjhokāsasallapana)
Background
The Sutta on Talking in the Open (Ajjhokāsasallapana) is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, belonging to the Pātimokkha Saṃvara, the rules of training for bhikkhus. The sutta is recorded in the Sarvāstivāda Vinaya for the purpose of regulating the speech behavior of monastics in the communal life of the Sangha.
The circumstance in which this sutta appeared concerns the point that bhikkhus should not make a display of themselves, nor create opportunities for others to misunderstand their conduct. In particular, talking in public places, where people pass by, may give rise to misunderstandings, slander, or harm to the honor of the Sangha. Therefore the Buddha instructed his disciples in rules of conduct when speaking in open, public places.
Main Content
This sutta focuses on one of the minor rules (Pācittiya or Dukkaṭa) related to self-restraint in the speech of bhikkhus. Specifically, bhikkhus should not engage in heedless talk in public places where people frequently pass, without attention to the dignity and careful conduct (sampadā) of one who has gone forth.
“Talking in the open” (ajjhokāsasallapana) is not limited to speaking aloud, but also concerns one’s manner of acting, posture, and attitude. A bhikkhu in a public place should maintain silence or speak appropriately, and should not allow his image to become ostentatious or create an undignified impression.
This rule is also connected with the principle of “purifying oneself” (Attakammapaccayā), that is, each individual must take responsibility for his own actions, speech, and thoughts. Bhikkhus are encouraged to cultivate mindfulness (appamāda) and clear comprehension (sampajañña), especially while living among lay communities.
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