Dear fellow practitioners, greetings to all!
Rules are the path; those who stray are doomed to fail. Do you wish to uphold righteous conduct and achieve indestructible virtues? Today, guided by the Sutra of the Ten Virtuous Deeds, we explore the law of cause and effect in abstaining from divisive speech—not harming others’ reputations to attain the five indestructible qualities. Let us cultivate a righteous mind and step onto the path of purity!
Upholding Rules: Not Harming Reputations
Those who do not uphold rules are destined to fail! Abstaining from divisive speech means not harming others’ reputations, purifying body and mind with the power of harmony, laying the foundation for Bodhisattva practice.
The Fruit of Not Cursing
Refraining from cursing prevents negative retribution—what you curse others with, you become yourself; for instance, if I call you a bitch, I become one. Cause and effect are clear.
The Law of Abstaining from Divisive Speech: Five Virtues Achieved
The Sutra of the Ten Virtuous Deeds states: “If one abstains from divisive speech, one attains five indestructible qualities.” What are these five?
- (Cause) Not harming others’ reputations, (Fruit) attaining an indestructible body, beyond all harm—firm as a diamond, untouchable by any.
- (Cause) Not harming others’ reputations, (Fruit) attaining indestructible kin, beyond disruption—family in harmony, steadfast like Queen Elizabeth.
- (Cause) Not harming others’ reputations, (Fruit) attaining indestructible faith, aligned with one’s original karma—an unshakable foundation for practice.
- (Cause) Not harming others’ reputations, (Fruit) attaining indestructible Dharma practice, firmly established—an unwavering path of righteous cultivation.
- (Cause) Not harming others’ reputations, (Fruit) attaining indestructible spiritual mentors, free from deceit—companions of true sincerity.
Dedicating Merit: Unbreakable Righteous Kin
If this merit is dedicated to Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, upon becoming a Buddha, one gains righteous kin, impervious to disruption by demons or heretics. Dedicating merit to supreme enlightenment ensures that, as a Buddha, one’s kin remain indestructible, unassailable by any, safeguarding the true path.
Dear fellow practitioners, abandoning rules leads to failure; abstaining from divisive speech leads to success! Attain the five indestructible qualities, dedicate this merit, and secure unshakable kin. May we forsake divisive speech, achieve the merit of harmony, and advance toward supreme enlightenment! Thank you all!
