San Lo Bi Vb Sk 17Laughing Loudly (2nd)

Explanation of the Dutiyaujjagghika Sutta (Laughing Loudly the Second Time)

Background

The Dutiyaujjagghika Sutta is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, belonging to the rules of daily conduct for the community of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a collection of prohibitions and restrictions, but also principles intended to cultivate the mind, develop compassion, and protect harmony within the community of practice.

This sutta concerns a specific situation in the daily life of monastics: their conduct through natural expressions such as laughter. Although the title of the sutta may seem light, it reflects the Buddha’s deep attention to every detail of conduct, because each action has the capacity to affect the mind and the cultivation of others.

Main Content

According to the regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the act of laughing loudly, especially laughing boisterously or uproariously without restraint, is considered improper conduct in the monastic community. This arises from the principle that a monk or nun should maintain dignity, calm, and restraint in every activity.

Loud laughter is seen as an expression of an unfocused mind, a lack of mindfulness, or something capable of distracting the minds of those nearby. In the setting of a monastic community, where the mind is trained toward wakefulness and stillness, loud laughter can create an atmosphere of disproportionate merriment or even disturb those practicing meditation.

This rule is not intended to eliminate joy or natural human happiness, but to teach that in a community of practice with a noble purpose, every action should be illuminated by mindfulness and wisdom. If one must laugh, it may be done objectively, gently, and without excess.

Practical Meaning

The Dutiyaujjagghika Sutta teaches us a profound lesson about inner discipline.