Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 92Crying
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rodana
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Rodana Discourse (Discourse on Crying) - Explanation
Background
The Rodana discourse is recorded in the Pāṭimokkhasaṃvara (the code of restraint), belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist Pāli Canon. It is one of the disciplinary regulations for monastics, concerning the act of crying and emotional expression within the monastic community.
The disciplinary rules (Vinaya) were promulgated by the Buddha not to restrict or make things difficult for practitioners, but to educate the mind, nourish concentration, and create a harmonious environment for the community of study and practice. The Rodana discourse reflects the Buddha’s concern for maintaining wisdom and dignity in the Sangha.
Main Content
The Rodana discourse deals with cases related to the act of crying or making strained sounds in the monastic community. According to the Early Buddhist view, this conduct may be considered a violation if performed in inappropriate circumstances, especially when the crying is intended to create disturbance in one’s own mental formations or to have a negative effect on the faith and mindfulness of other bhikkhus.
The rule does not deny pain or legitimate emotion, but guides practitioners in expressing emotion consciously. The discourse emphasizes that followers of the Buddha should practice contemplation of the mind, developing awareness (sati) and collectedness (samādhi), rather than allowing coarse emotions to possess consciousness. Crying often reflects entanglement with phenomena and attachment to “I” and “mine,” matters that the Buddhist path is precisely intended to transcend.
Exceptions are considered in contexts of life-threatening danger or extremely difficult situations, but even in such cases, practitioners are encouraged to cultivate peace of mind. This rule teaches that strong emotional impulses can be observed and recognized, without needing to be defended or allowed to erupt through unconscious action.
Practical Meaning
The Rodana discourse is a tool of practice for the student of Buddhism to develop “a mind not struck” (upekkhā, equanimity, a-dukkha-domanassa).
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