The Numerical Discourses

Chapter 14: The Five Precepts

8. Not Speaking Falsely

1. Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.

2. It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “I don’t see anything in this assembly like one thing that when cultivated and cultivated often brings the merits that are among humans, the merits up in Heaven, and attains the realization of Nirvāṇa. What is that one thing? It’s not speaking falsely.

3. The Buddha told the monks, “If a person doesn’t speak falsely, their breath will be fragrant, and their famous virtue will be heard about far away …

4. “Therefore, monks you should train in not speaking falsely. Thus, monks, you should train yourselves.”

5. When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.

Translator: Charles Patton

Last Revised: 31 July 2023