Bu Sk 1111. Laughing loudly
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ujjagghika
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The Sutta on Laughing Loudly (Ujjagghika)
Background
The Sutta on Laughing Loudly is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Bhikkhunī Sutta Vibhaṅga — the regulations pertaining to female monastics. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the ethical and disciplinary foundation of the Saṅgha (the community of monastics). The regulations within the Vinaya Piṭaka are not arbitrary prohibitions, but arose from specific situations that occurred during the spread of the Dharma under the Blessed One Gotama.
This sutta addresses a form of conduct incompatible with the monastic life — namely, laughing loudly (ujjagghika). Although such an action is ordinary in the life of a layperson, for those who have gone forth as female monastics, this behavior is considered a violation of the principle of maintaining composure and honoring the practice of the Dharma.
Principal Contents
According to the regulations of the Vinaya Piṭaka, laughing loudly is regarded as conduct lacking in restraint and liable to diminish one's dignity. For bhikkhunīs (female monastics), this constitutes a Pācittiya offense — a transgression requiring confession (pratideśanā) before the community.
The underlying principle here is not an outright prohibition on smiling or laughing, for the Blessed One himself is described as having moments of joy. Rather, the regulation emphasizes mindfulness and restraint in the expression of emotions. A monastic who has renounced the household life and abandoned sensual pleasures should conduct herself in a manner that reflects that resolve. Laughing loudly — particularly laughter that is needless or sought to attract attention — is regarded as a manifestation of craving and heedlessness, contrary to the spirit of the training.
This regulation also relates to the concept of purity — the cleanliness of body, speech, and mind. The act of laughing loudly may be seen as a lack of respect toward the Saṅgha and toward one's own work of cultivation.
Practical Significance
Although this regulation was originally intended for bhikkhunīs during the time of the Blessed One, its deeper intention remains of value to all practitioners.
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