Dear Dharma Friends,
Welcome to this episode of the podcast provided by the Buddhas’ Practice Incorporated of Australia.
Today, we continue our exploration of the Sutra of the Ten Wholesome Deeds, focusing on the Buddha’s teaching on not Engaging in Misconduct and Not Lying
1、Refraining from Misconduct
The Buddha taught the Dragon King that by refraining from misconduct, one can attain four merits praised by the wise.
First, most beings, due to misconduct, are restless and driven by desires, with their six senses in disarray and burning with craving. However, by abstaining from misconduct, the six senses naturally become harmonious, and the mind, no longer chaotic, regains clarity and peace.
Second, misconduct causes one to chase illusory dreams, leading to a scattered and restless mind. By refraining from misconduct, the mind becomes calm and stable, no longer pursuing fleeting illusions, attaining true tranquility.
Third, those who refrain from misconduct are praised and respected by the world.
Fourth, those who refrain from misconduct have a steadfast resolve in their practice. Even close family members, such as one’s spouse, cannot sway their determination, and they remain untainted by external influences, preserving their purity.
If one is one who is able to turn towards the Highest Perfect Illumination one will later at the time one becomes Buddha, attain the mastersign of the Buddha, of a concealed organ.
2、Refraining from Lying
Next, let us discuss not lying. Lying leads to a sense of unreality in all things; even when possessing something real, it feels illusory and unsatisfying. Lying not only harms others but also causes one to lose trust and peace. However, by refraining from lying, one can attain eight merits praised by heavenly beings. What are these eight?
First, those who do not lie have speech that is pure, fragrant like the utpala flower, bringing comfort and trust to others.
Second, their words naturally inspire trust in others.
Third, their speech serves as proof, earning the respect and love of both humans and heavenly beings.
Fourth, due to the virtuous habit of not lying, they naturally comfort beings with kind and loving words, bringing them peace.
Fifth, their mind is always joyful, and this pure happiness cannot be disrupted by others. Their body, speech, and mind—the three karmas—remain pure and filled with tranquility.
Sixth, their words are free from error, accurately conveying their thoughts, and their heart is constantly joyful due to this clarity.
Seventh, their speech is respected, and both humans and heavenly beings follow their words, even those spoken casually.
Eighth, their wisdom is supreme, surpassing all others, unmatched among humans.
If one is one who is able to turn towards the Highest Perfect Illumination, one will later at the time one becomes Buddha, attain to the true speech of the Tathagata.
3、Conclusion
Dear friends, misconduct causes our senses to fall into disarray, chasing after illusions, while lying leads to a loss of trust and a sense of unreality. However, by steadfastly refraining from misconduct and lying, we can harmonize our senses, calm our minds, earn the praise of humans and heavenly beings, and cultivate pure karma and supreme wisdom. May we all uphold these pure precepts and together attain liberation! Thank you for listening!
