Lzh Mg Bu Pm Pc 1Lying
Pāli / Sanskrit:Musāvāda
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COMMENTARY ON THE MUSĀVĀDA SUTTA (THE DISCOURSE ON LYING)
Background
The Discourse on Lying (Musāvāda) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the section known as the Pātimokkha — the collection of fundamental training rules within the Theravāda tradition. This is not a discourse of Dhamma teaching but rather a training rule (Sikkhapadā) intended to regulate the conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis. The rule concerning lying occupies an important position within the system of practice in Theravāda Buddhism, reflecting the great reverence the Blessed One held for truthfulness and integrity of speech.
In the context of the early Saṅgha community, disputes and transgressions frequently arose from words that were not truthful. For this reason, the Blessed One established clear rules to protect the integrity of the practicing community. This training rule applies not only to bhikkhus but also serves as a foundation of Buddhist ethics for all practitioners.
Principal Content
The Discourse on Lying prescribes that a bhikkhu or bhikkhuni who intentionally speaks falsely, regardless of the reason, commits a violation of one of the most serious training rules. Lying is defined as uttering words that do not accord with truth, with the intention of denying or concealing the truth. This includes lying about one's meditative attainments, supramundane wisdom, or any matter pertaining to one's practice.
The Blessed One emphasized that lying is an action that undermines the very foundation of trust and respect. When a bhikkhu lies, particularly in matters related to the Buddha-Dhamma, that person not only diminishes the faith of others but also erodes confidence in oneself along the path of practice. Lying is regarded as an action that generates grave karmic consequences, for it severs the bond between members of the Saṅgha and destroys the integrity that is necessary for spiritual development.
This training rule also makes clear that certain forms of lying are not to be regarded lightly, even when motivated by benevolent intentions. Theravāda Buddhism does not recognize the "white lie" — the notion that speaking falsely for a good reason is acceptable.
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