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## [Nishīth Sūtra, Prāyaścitta of Hāraya]
**38. A monk who laughs with his mouth wide open or encourages others to laugh.** (He incurs a minor monthly penance.)
**Discussion:** This refers to the penance for laughing excessively or in an inappropriate manner. The Daśavaikalika Sūtra states that monks should always be engaged in self-study, knowledge, and meditation, rather than wasting time in idle chatter and laughter. As it says:
"Do not indulge in much sleep, avoid excessive laughter. Do not delight in worldly pleasures, but remain absorbed in contemplation." - Daśavaikalika Sūtra, Chapter 8, Verse 42
The Ācārāṅga Sūtra states that a monk who abandons laughter is a true Niggantha, therefore a monk should not laugh. As it says:
"A Niggantha recognizes laughter, he does not laugh." - Ācārāṅga Sūtra, Chapter 2, Section 16
A monk should be free from curiosity and have a serious nature, and should not associate with those who are curious.
This kind of laughter is a cause of attachment or it encourages others to laugh. It also leads to public censure. It also violates the air element and the life of sentient beings. It can also lead to the humiliation, anger, or hatred of others.
The commentator gives an example:
"A king and queen were sitting together in a window. Looking towards the royal path, the queen said, "A dead man is laughing." When the king asked, the queen pointed towards a monk and explained that by renouncing all worldly pleasures, he is like a dead man, yet he is still laughing."
Therefore, a monk should not laugh loudly, but only smile moderately.
**39. A monk who gives a "Pārsvastha" (side-by-side) offering.** (He incurs a minor monthly penance.)
**40. A monk who accepts a "Pārsvastha" offering.** (He incurs a minor monthly penance.)
**41. A monk who gives an "Osanna" (offering to the sick) offering.** (He incurs a minor monthly penance.)
**42. A monk who accepts an "Osanna" offering.** (He incurs a minor monthly penance.)
**43. A monk who gives a "Kusīla" (offering to the virtuous) offering.** (He incurs a minor monthly penance.)