Bu Sk 5151. Slurping
Pāli / Sanskrit:Surusurukāraka
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SCRIPTURE ON THE SOUND MADE WHILE SLURPING
Surusurukāraka – Vinaya Piṭaka
Background
The scripture "Slurping" (Surusurukāraka) is one of the minor rules recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism. The Vinaya Piṭaka contains rules of practice for the monastic community, established by the Buddha to maintain discipline and harmony within the community of practitioners, and to nurture the spiritual development of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis.
These rules were not imposed in an arbitrary manner; rather, they reflect the Buddha's profound understanding of human habits, the effect of actions upon the mind, and the impact that small matters have upon communal life. This scripture concerns a simple action that nevertheless reflects one's state of mind and proper conduct in the daily life of those engaged in practice.
Main Content
The scripture on the sound made while drawing in liquid or swallowing (surusurukāraka) cautions bhikkhus against making unpleasant sounds — such as a slurping "sú sú sú" — while eating or drinking. This is a rule pertaining to āyacana — the restraint of the senses and the regulation of everyday conduct.
According to the Theravāda tradition, the Buddha taught that bhikkhus should eat and drink with dignity, without making noise or causing discomfort to those around them. The restraint of sound and action during eating and drinking is part of vinaya — the spirit of practice and discipline. This is not a matter of personal preference on the Buddha's part, but rather concerns the stillness, purity, and mutual respect within the monastic community.
The sounds made while drawing in liquid or eating may be a manifestation of inattentiveness, of an unconcentrated mind, or of a lack of respect. Bhikkhus engage in practice from morning until evening, and every action, every sound, reflects their state of mind. The practice of eating and drinking quietly, without making noise, is a way of showing respect for oneself, for those who live alongside one, and for the beings in one's surroundings.
Practical Significance
This scripture teaches sati sampajañña (clear comprehension and mindfulness) — the cultivation of moment-to-moment awareness.
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