Bhikkhus and laughter

by Mervyn Samarakoon

The Buddha has proclaimed to the Bhikkhus strict, comprehensive and lucid code of conduct to be followed at all times. It covers the gamut of their life.

Preaching being the most notable occupation of a Bhikkhu, the Buddha has dwelt at length on the subject, mainly in the Vinaya pitaka and to a lesser extent in the Sutta pitaka.

The moment the Bhikkhu takes over the Vijinipatha and mounts the pulpit he assumes the sanctified role of disseminating the profoundest teaching on earth.

He is expected to assume that the Thathagatha himself is present with him, so that it is an impetus for him to be on track with his great preaching.

The Buddha said, “The lion, Bhikkhus, is a designation for the Thathagatha, the Arahat, the Perfectly Enlightened One.

Dhamma

“When the Thathagatha teaches the Dhamma to an assembly, this is His lion’s roar. If the Thathagatha teaches the Dhamma to the Bhikkhus, He teaches it respectfully and not disrespectfully. If the Thathagatha teaches the Dhamma ... to the Bhikkhunis ... to male lay followers ... to female lay followers, He teaches it respectfully not disrespectfully.

“If the Thathagatha teaches the Dhamma to worldlings such as food carriers and huntsmen He teaches it respectfully, not disrespectfully. For what reason? Because the Thathagatha has respect for the Dhamma, reverence for the Dhamma”. Kukuda Vagga - Anguttara Nikaya.

Hence it is clear that the preaching of the noble Dhamma and the conduct and demeanor that should accompany the preaching are uncompromisable matters, since the sublime truth is at all times sacred and sacrosanct, to be respected and revered. Jokes, humour and light hearted banter have no place in it at all, because it detracts a follower from a path that is difficult to comprehend, the path of emancipation from all suffering.

In the course of Buddhist history unaccountable are the numbers who have attained one or all four stages of the path of deliverance whilst intently and wholeheartedly following a well prepared sermon delivered by an astute, disciplined Bhikkhu well versed in the Thripitaka and unwavering from his line of concentration.

One of the three primary rules pronounced by the Buddha to Arahat Maha Kashyapa, the third great disciple of His Order at the moment of his ordination was that when listening to a sermon, he should do so with single-minded attention and absolute and total focus.

The Buddhist canon records that an aged female devotee attained Sowanhood before Bhikkhu Nagasena did, whilst listening to one of his sermons. The Bhikkhu attained the stage thereafter whilst contemplating on his own sermon (Milinda Panna). Decidedly such sermons are devoid of funny anecdotes, comic tales and cheap trappings. Laughter and merriment are counter-productive to one pointed concentration, a mandatory prerequisite for the attainment of the goal.

Singing

The position is magnificently illustrated by the Buddha himself:

“Bhikkhus, in the Noble One’s discipline singing is lamentation. In the Noble One’s discipline, dancing is lunacy. In the Noble One’s discipline to laugh excessively, displaying one’s teeth, is a thing of the boys. Therefore, Bhikkhus, in regard to singing and dancing let the bridge be demolished. When you smile rejoicing in the Dhamma you may show a mild smile”.

Sambodhi Vagga - Anguttara Nikaya

We are fortunate that in this part of the world, there are still erudite, pious, respected Bhikkhus who revere the Dhamma and preach it to others as expected of them by the Buddha.

In the end, however, we have to remember another poignant pronouncement of the Buddha: “The majority of beings merely run along the shore, and just a handful cross the stream.

Those who live the Dhamma well articulated, cross realms over which Mara has sway and reach the farther shore”.

Panditha Vagga – Dhammapada