San Lo Bi Vb Pc 88Crying
Pāli / Sanskrit:Rodana
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THE CRYING SUTTA (RODANA)
An Explanation from the Pāli Vinaya — Theravāda Tradition
Background
The Rodana Sutta (Crying) is recorded in the Vinaya of early Buddhist Dharma, specifically among the Pātimokkha rules, the prohibitions for monks and nuns. This context arose when the Buddha’s disciples were still in the stage of training, and their ability to restrain mental states was not yet complete. The circumstance of monks or nuns weeping is an expression of a mind not yet tranquil, still governed by desires and powerful emotions.
The Tathagata Buddha, with limitless compassion, established certain modes of conduct concerning crying within the Sangha community. These regulations were not for punishment, but to guide disciples in cultivating the discipline of the mind, training concentration and wisdom through the management of emotion.
Main Content
In the Vinaya, the Buddha taught that crying in certain situations could be regarded as an improper act or one unsuited to the state of a monk. Specifically, if a monk cries without a legitimate cause, such as illness, the loss of a close relative, or other exceptional circumstances, this act is regarded as an offense within the discipline of the Sangha.
The Buddha taught that one who practices should develop calm and mindfulness before emotions that arise spontaneously. Crying is often a sign of a mind bound by greed, hatred, and delusion, the three root poisons of suffering. A monk should learn to see clearly the temporary, impermanent (anicca) nature of all things, and from that be liberated from coarse emotions.
However, the Buddha did not entirely forbid tears in natural circumstances. If there is a valid reason, such as deep understanding of the Dharma giving rise to emotion concerning the impermanence of all phenomena, or other unavoidable circumstances, then crying is not an offense. The essential point is the motive and the inner state of mind.
Practical Meaning
The Rodana Sutta teaches us about balance in practice.
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