San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Sk 58Poking Tongue

The Jivhānicchāraka Sutta (The Sutta on Sticking Out the Tongue)

Background

The Jivhānicchāraka Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Early Buddhism, in the Pātimokkha or basic disciplinary rules of the Sangha. This shows that the sutta is not merely a moral lesson, but is directly related to training and guarding the mind within the monastic community.

The event in the sutta arose from an action that seemed harmless but contained an unwholesome intention. It was the action of “sticking out the tongue” (Jivhā-nicchāraka)—a gesture that may be understood as improper speech, provocation, or mockery of others. In the context of the Sangha, this is a matter of restraint in speech and intention, two important elements of the path of practice.

Main Content

This sutta records the Buddha’s teaching on the dangers of sticking out the tongue—an outward expression of an uncontrolled mind. The Buddha observed that this action, though seemingly minor, reflects a mind lacking mindfulness and respect.

Specifically, “sticking out the tongue” is understood as actions such as mocking through gesture, speaking meaningless or insulting words, or showing a discrepancy between one’s speech and actual conduct. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Buddha warns that such gestures can destroy harmony within the monastic community and diminish the spiritual quality of the one who performs them.

The sutta teaches that those who truly practice the Dhamma must control the whole of body, speech, and mind—not only great actions, but even the smallest expressions, such as the use of the tongue and the way one speaks. This is part of Sila (ethics or moral discipline), the foundation of the path of practice.

Practical Meaning

The Jivhānicchāraka Sutta reminds us that the mind is reflected through every gesture, even things that seem insignificant. The act of “sticking out the tongue,” or similar expressions, is not merely a matter of etiquette, but a symbol of a mind not yet trained.