Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Sk 76Poking Tongue
Pāli / Sanskrit:Jivhānicchāraka
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THE TONGUE-PROTRUDING DISCOURSE (Jivhānicchāraka)
Background
This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, where the rules of practice and the events leading to prohibitions (Pātimokkha) are recorded. The Tongue-Protruding Discourse is set forth when the Buddha witnessed a situation involving improper behavior by a bhikkhu, from which a prohibition arose in order to preserve practice within the Sangha.
The historical background of the Vinaya Piṭaka is always connected with the principle of “outer conduct preserving the spirit.” Each rule is not meant to control, but to protect spiritual life and harmony in the community of practice. This discourse, although its title appears outward, contains a deep message about respect, self-control, and mindfulness in every gesture and every word of the practitioner.
Main Content
The Tongue-Protruding Discourse focuses on behavior related to the tongue, a sensitive organ that expresses the psychological energy of the practitioner. “Protruding the tongue” here does not merely refer to simply sticking out the tongue in mockery, but to an act lacking respect or unsuitable to the spirit of virtuous conduct in the Sangha. In the context of the Pāli Vinaya Piṭaka, any action that may offend the public or reflect an unsteady state of mind needs correction.
This rule reminds bhikkhus that body, speech, and spirit must be consistent. A seemingly small but unconscious action, such as protruding the tongue, can reveal the practitioner’s degree of mindfulness. It reflects a shallow state of mind, lack of control, or even disregard for virtuous conduct.
In the Vinaya Piṭaka, body language is regarded as part of sila (ethics). Therefore this discourse does not merely prohibit a specific action, but encourages full mindfulness of action, speech, and thought, the three accomplishments, the three arrows, in every moment of the day.
Practical Meaning
The practical meaning of this discourse goes beyond prohibiting a single action.
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