Brahmajāla Sutta

The Short Section on Conduct

"When an outsider speaks well of the Tathāgata, they do so regarding trifling details, to matters of little importance and mere morality. What are these trifling and minor details of mere morality they speak well of?

'Gautama, the recluse, rejects killing and does not destroy life. He has put aside the cudgel and the sword. He is ashamed of violence and is full of mercy. He lives with compassion and kindness towards all living beings.' It is in this way that an outsider, when speaking well of the Tathāgata, might speak.

Or he might say: 'Gautama, the recluse, rejects theft and does not take what is not his to take. He only takes others give him. Expecting others will give him gifts, he lives a pure and honest life.'

Or he might say: 'Gautama, the recluse, rejects sexual activities and is celibate. He does not engage in the indecent practice of sexual acts.'

Or he might say: 'Gautama, the recluse, rejects false speech and does not engage in deception. He devotes himself to the truth and speaks only what is true. He is honest and trustworthy and deceives no one.'

Or he might say: 'Gautama, the recluse, rejects slander and does not engage in defamatory speech. He does not repeat what he hears intending to create conflicts between people. In this way, he lives as one who mends the divisions between people; and as one who encourages friendships. He is a peacemaker who loves—and is impassioned by—peace. His words foster peace.'

Or he might say: 'Gautama, the recluse, rejects rude speech and does not engage in vulgar language. He speaks blameless words pleasant to hear, lovely, uplifting, courteous, pleasing to and beloved by the people.'

Or he might say: 'Gautama, the recluse, rejects foolish speech and does not engage in meaningless conversations. He speaks about the Dhamma and the Sangha using meaningful words, spoken at the right time, and under the truth. He speaks at the right time, with reason, confident and to the point. People admire his words.'

Or he might say: 'Gautama, the recluse, does not engage in causing injury to seeds or plants.

He eats once a day, does not eat at night, and avoids eating after midday.

He abstains from:

• Watching shows at fairs featuring dancing, singing, and music
• Making himself attractive by using garlands, scents, and unguents
• Using tall and comfortable beds
• Accepting silver and gold
• Accepting uncooked grain
• Accepting raw meat
• Accepting women and girls
• Accepting slaves
• Accepting sheep and goats
• Accepting fowls and pigs
• Accepting elephants
• Accepting cattle
• Accepting horses and mares
• Accepting cultivated fields and waste
• Acting as a middle man or a messenger
• Buying and selling
• Cheating with scales or bronzes or measures
• Bribery, cheating, and fraud
• Mutilation, murder, imprisonment, theft, banditry, and violence.'

This is how an outsider speaks when speaking well of the Tathāgata."