Xct Mu Bi Sk 59Poking Tongue

Explanation of the Jivhānicchāraka Discourse (The Tongue-Sticking Discourse)

Context

The Jivhānicchāraka discourse is found in the Vinaya Pitaka, the collection that sets forth the disciplinary precepts for practice within the Buddhist Sangha. This discourse records an event that occurred while the Buddha was residing somewhere, involving a bhikkhu who acted in a way not in accordance with the discipline of the path.

The Vinaya Pitaka is the foundation of higher ethical conduct and the governance of the Sangha community. Its purpose is not arbitrary punishment, but to support practitioners in cultivating the true Dharma, removing wandering and undisciplined behaviors that can cause the community to lose faith and can harm spiritual development. Each rule was always established for a specific reason arising from real situations encountered by the Buddha and his disciples.

The title “Jivhānicchāraka” means “sticking out the tongue” or “holding the tongue,” referring to a specific action criticized by the Buddha. This action may seem trivial, but it reflects a state of mind lacking respect and unsuited to the bodily right conduct (kāyagatā sati) that every bhikkhu must cultivate.

Main Content

The specific content of this discourse has not been fully translated in the descriptive information provided. However, based on the context of the Vinaya Pitaka, it may be understood that this discourse records the Buddha admonishing one or more bhikkhus for sticking out the tongue or for inappropriate gestures involving this part of the body.

In the Theravāda tradition of practice, bodily movements must be conscious, diligent, and expressive of respect for the Dharma. A bhikkhu should keep the body pure, not displaying careless, undisciplined, or sensuous actions. Every detail, from the way one sits, walks, speaks, and even moves parts of the face, is regulated in order to nourish awareness (sampajañña) and preserve the precepts intact.