Xct Mu Bi Pc 98Talking In the Open

Sutra on Talking in an Open Place (Ajjhokāsasallapana)

Background

The Ajjhokāsasallapana Sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, in the catalog of disciplinary rules of the Sangha. It is an inseparable part of the system of ethics and qualities that the Buddha Siddhattha Gotama established for the monastic community from the earliest period of the Sangha.

This sutra appears in the context of the Buddha and his disciples living together in monasteries, passing their days in practice and teaching the Dharma. It reflects the Buddha's instruction on proper conduct in communication and the transmission of information among members of the Sangha.

Main Content

The Sutra on Talking in an Open Place concerns the management of language and public communication in the Sangha. The term "ajjhokāsa" (open, public place) refers to unshielded places where people can see, that is, conversations taking place in front of or within hearing of others.

The specific content of this sutra has not been fully translated, but according to the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, it is very likely that this sutra guides monastics on how to speak wisely when others are present. This includes avoiding useless conversations, divisive speech, or words that may harm the reputation of the Sangha.

In the Theravāda tradition, language is regarded as a direct tool of practice related to the Dhamma-vinaya. The Buddha taught that "speech" is one of the important factors of the Noble Eightfold Path (Sammā Vācā, Right Speech). Therefore, this sutra focuses on training carefulness in speech, especially when the action takes place under the eyes of the community.

Practical Meaning

For those who practice according to the Theravāda tradition, the Ajjhokāsasallapana Sutra reminds us of the power and responsibility of speech.