For a liar who has violated the one law (of trut hfulness) who holds in scorn the hereafter, there is no evil that he cannot do.
For a liar who has violated the one law (of truthfulness), who holds in scorn the hereafter, there is no evil that he cannot do.
Deep Commentary
This verse arose from the false accusation leveled against the Buddha by Cinca-Manavika, who was instigated by rival sects to ruin his reputation. She feigned pregnancy by binding a wooden disc to her stomach and publicly accused the Buddha of being the father. The plot was exposed when the gods caused the binding to break, revealing the deception. The Buddha remained calm throughout, illustrating the power of truth over falsehood. This teaching warns that those who abandon the path of truth, speak lies, and deny the moral consequences of their actions (the hereafter) are capable of any evil. It serves as a reminder that moral integrity is the foundation of spiritual life and that malicious intent inevitably leads to one's own downfall.
This verse from the Dhammapada, Chapter 13, Verse 176, highlights the profound danger of untruthfulness. It explains that a person who disregards the fundamental principle of truth and scoffs at the consequences of their actions in the future (the "hereafter") is capable of committing any evil.
The story of Cinca-Manavika, who falsely accused the Buddha, illustrates this point. Her deception, driven by malicious intent and a disregard for truth, shows how abandoning integrity can lead to harmful actions. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that moral uprightness and respect for truth are essential foundations for a wholesome life, and that straying from them opens the door to all forms of unwholesome conduct.
How does this verse resonate with your understanding of truthfulness in daily life?
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