San Lo Bu Pm Sk 29Poking Tongue
Pāli / Sanskrit:Jivhānicchāraka
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Explanation of the Jivhānicchāraka Discourse (Sticking Out the Tongue)
Background
The Jivhānicchāraka discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, one of the three main collections of the Pāli Canon in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. In the Vinaya Piṭaka, regulations on the behavior of novices (Bhikkhunī) and bhikkhus are recorded in detail in order to cultivate discipline, restraint, and the guarding of body, speech, and mind.
This discourse concerns a behavior that may seem trivial but contains psychological and behavioral danger. The act of “sticking out the tongue” (jivhā nicchāraka) mentioned in the discourse is not a harmless gesture, but an expression of greed, stimulation of the senses, or seeking attention from others, mental actions contrary to the spirit of pure practice in a bhikkhu or novice.
Main Content
According to the Theravāda tradition, this discourse records that repeatedly or intentionally putting out the tongue may be considered conduct unsuitable for Sangha discipline. Although it may not violate a Pātimokkha rule, or the Bhikkhu Code or similar rule, the act is still considered from the standpoint of Vinaya, that is, the cultivation of proper bodily conduct.
The discourse emphasizes that actions that appear small actually reflect the mental state of the practitioner. When a bhikkhu or novice repeatedly exposes the tongue, especially in situations that may attract attention or stimulate the senses, this shows a lack of restraint (samvara) in daily conduct.
The basic principle of the Vinaya is to encourage pure actions and warn against actions that may lead to defilements or distraction of mind. Sticking out the tongue may belong to the type of action “not suitable in appearance” (apratiruupa) for a renunciant. This is related to the concept of “lassata” (accumulation, restraint), which the Vinaya always encourages.
Practical Meaning
The profound meaning of this discourse lies in realizing that Buddhist practice is a matter of restraint and mindfulness in even the very smallest actions.
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