Xct Mu Bi Sk 57Slurping

Surusurukāraka Discourse: On the Sound of Sucking Water

Context

The Surusurukāraka discourse, that is, the “Sucking Water” discourse, belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism and is part of the regulations on monastic discipline within the Sangha community. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled after the final nirvana of the Buddha Gotama in order to maintain rules of conduct in accordance with the Dharma and the Vinaya.

This discourse is recorded in the context of a specific event at the Buddha’s monastery, when the bhikkhus were carrying out daily activities. The rules of conduct taught by the Buddha were intended to nourish an awakened mind and to avoid actions that might cause laypeople to lose faith or damage the image of the Sangha. Each seemingly small detail contains deep meaning regarding the cultivation of character.

Main Content

The Surusurukāraka discourse concerns a specific detail in the way bhikkhus eat and drink. The exact content of this discourse has not been fully translated in the available materials; however, according to the general context of the Vinaya Pitaka, this discourse should be understood as guidance on drinking water in a dignified and respectful manner.

The word “surusurukāraka” (suru-suru = sucking or making a sound while sucking) refers to inappropriate or undignified sounds made when drinking water. Sounds that are loud, repeated, or clearly audible while drinking are considered immoderate (asampadā) for one gone forth, because they may distract the mind and disturb others in the Sangha.

The Buddha taught that bhikkhus should drink water and eat food mindfully, slowly, and without making sudden sounds. This action is directly related to training the faculties (indriya), especially the practice of sati-sampajañña, mindfulness and clear comprehension. Through such seemingly incidental actions, the bhikkhu is encouraged always to be aware of what he is doing and not to let the mind fall into carelessness.