San Lo Bi Vb Sk 16Not Noisy (2nd)

The Sutta on Not Being Noisy (Second Time) — Explanation

Background

The Dutiyaappasadda Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, where the rules of training and discipline of the Sangha are recorded. This text is not a profound doctrinal discourse, but a specific legal rule related to proper conduct, the correct way of acting for bhikkhus.

The title "Not Noisy (Second Time)" indicates that this is the second mention of this matter in the Vinaya section. This reflects the teaching method of the Buddha and his disciples, in which the same principle is repeated many times in order to deepen understanding and compliance.

The legal context of this rule arose from the need to protect the monastic community from actions that disturb and disrupt the quiet necessary for practice. In the Theravāda tradition, quiet is not only a material factor, but a basic condition for monastics to settle the mind (samādhi) and contemplate the Dharma (ñāṇa).

Main Content

The Dutiyaappasadda Sutta states that bhikkhus are not permitted to create noise or perform actions that show disrespect. This rule emphasizes two aspects: first, non-noisiness (appasadda — not loud, not restless), and second, respect for the shared environment.

Specifically, prohibited actions include speaking loudly in common spaces, dragging the feet while walking, slamming doors, or engaging in careless and unrefined actions. Such acts not only disturb others, but also reflect a careless mind lacking in concentration.

This rule is established on the basis of the Eight Principles of Purity (Aṭṭhasīla, or elements of the Discipline), in which self-control is not merely the prevention of bad behavior but also a quiet training in meditation and respect. It is part of the Pācittiya rules of practice or the Saṅghādisesa communal rules, rules which, when violated, require the monastic to confess before the Sangha.