Upp Sk 41Poking Tongue

INTERPRETATION OF THE JIVHĀNICCHĀRAKA SUTTA

Background

The Jivhānicchāraka Sutta (Poking Tongue) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Suttavibhaṅga section of the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha. These are rules of ethics and deportment for male renunciants (bhikkhus) in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. These rules are not rigid sanctions, but tools of cultivation directed toward self-awareness and purity of mind.

The appearance of this sutta in the Vinaya Piṭaka reflects the view of the early Buddhist ancestors: the body is an instrument of the mind, and the way the body is used, especially in outward action, can reveal or encourage inner psychology. "Poking the tongue" or "moving the tongue" may be regarded as a small act, yet one capable of causing distraction, loss of mindfulness, or showing lack of discipline in one who has gone forth.

Main Content

The sutta prescribes that a bhikkhu should not poke out the tongue (jivhā-nicchāraka), meaning that he should not repeatedly or casually move the tongue in and out in daily life. Though physiologically harmless, this act is regarded as an expression of a lack of mindfulness and self-discipline.

In the monastic context, where every action is regarded as a means of practice, poking the tongue is seen as a sign of a mind that is unfocused and not unified. Allowing the body to act freely and loosely, without the guidance of mindfulness, is a force that diminishes the quality of practice. A bhikkhu should control every action, from the smallest to the greatest, in order to train the mind and develop mindfulness (sati).

This rule is also connected with other rules in the Pātimokkha, such as rules against "jumping about," "lying stretched out," or other actions that show loss of control. Together they form a complete system to help the bhikkhu maintain alertness and focus on the final goal of practice, liberation.