San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Sk 28Not Noisy (2nd)

Dutiyaappasadda Sutra - Not Noisy (The Second Time)

Background

The Dutiyaappasadda Sutra is found in the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically in the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha or the disciplinary rules for monastics. This is not a doctrinal sutra (Sutta), but a section of discipline, reflecting the practical instructions established by the Blessed Buddha to protect harmony in the monastic community (Sangha).

The title "Dutiyaappasadda" means "not noisy the second time" - "dutiya" (second time), "appasadda" (little noise, not noisy). This suggests that this sutra is part of a sequence of regulations related to habits of making echoes or noise in the Sangha. The historical context indicates that the Blessed Buddha issued these rules to remedy specific behaviors caused by bhikkhus, which negatively affected the cultivation and concentration of other monastics.

Main Content

The Dutiyaappasadda Sutra revolves around a basic principle: bhikkhus must not create loud noises or sudden echoes that may disturb other bhikkhus who are practicing. This includes noisy speech, slamming doors, dragging objects across the floor, or any daily activity that produces sounds capable of interrupting concentration or disturbing focus in meditation.

This rule arose from a specific event in the history of the Sangha: bhikkhus complained about sudden noises that interrupted their time of practice. The Blessed Buddha, in order to protect the environment of practice and study, issued this provision as part of the Pātimokkha, the code of conduct for monastics.

The nature of this rule is not a severe punishment but a cultivation in "sīla" (virtue). It reflects mutual respect among monastics and the understanding that another person's mind is of equal value to one's own mind. This discipline belongs to the category of "dukkaṭa" or a lighter fault in the classification of Vinaya offenses.