False speech (musā-vādā)
Skillful qualities / Noble Eightfold Path / Right Speech / False speech
Part of tag cluster Right Speech in key topic The Noble Eightfold Path
Alternative translations: Telling lies
Also a subtag of Five Precepts and Eight Precepts
7 excerpts, 22:35 total duration


Our Roots in the Thai Forest Tradition, Session 35 – Feb. 21, 2014

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12. A retreatant expresses appreciation for Upasika Kee Nanayon’s exhortation to be honest with ourselves. [Unwholesome Roots] [Upasikā Kee Nanayon] [Truth] [Gratitude]

“You can lie to the entire world if you like, but you must never lie to yourself.” – Mae Chee Kaew: Her Journey to Spiritual Awakening and Enlightenment by Ajahn Dick Sīlaratano, p. 235. [Mae Chee Kaew] [False speech]

Response by Ajahn Pasanno. [Self-identity view] [Culture/West]


2014 Thanksgiving Monastic Retreat, Session 6 – Nov. 27, 2014

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1. “A question regarding the 5 precepts. In daily life, I am really good about keeping #1, 2, 3 and 5; but somehow I found that the precept #4 is really hard. I find myself lying everyday such as: ‘Do I look good?’ → Yes, of course. ‘Do you want to eat some more?’ → No, thanks, I’m full (but in fact the food didn’t taste good). Or speaking at a wrong time, speaking too long, too short, too harsh or speaking with a wrong tone of voice. This is the hardest one for me. Kindly advise. Thank you.” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Five Precepts] [False speech ] [Right Speech ] // [Monastic life] [Precepts ] [Pāli] [Learning]

Quote: “The function of the precepts in terms of practice is to provide a mirror so we can understand our own intentions and volitions.” [Volition]


2015 Thanksgiving Monastic Retreat, Session 4 – Nov. 24, 2015

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15. “There is a mean streak in my family, a tendency to be dishonest and manipulative. I can see how it has been passed down over generations. I have worked hard to overcome these habits in myself. At this stage of life my familiar relationships are mostly positive and harmonious, but I still sometimes run across their manipulation or dishonesty. I would like to discuss or address it within my family, but there is no apperent recouse or means of addressing the situation. Any suggestions?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Family] [False speech] [Habits]

Quote: “I don’t teach my family anything.” [Ajahn Pasanno] [Teaching Dhamma]

Story: Ajahn Pasanno’s mother visits Abhayagiri. [Parents] [Kaṭhina]


Thanksgiving Retreat 2016, Session 4 – Nov. 22, 2016

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11. “If someone spreads a harmful story about another that is untrue, but has convinced her/himself it is true (including her/his own embellishments), does this break the fourth precept?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Malicious speech] [False speech ] // [Precepts] [Ajahn Chah] [Volition] [Truth] [Nature of mind]

Quote: “The precepts are there for training as opposed to making a legal decision or character judgement.”


Practice in a Global Context – Aug. 12, 2017

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1. Quote: “That person is making me suffer....If they would just smarten up and do what I like, then I would be happy. My life would be smooth and peaceful again, just like it always was before.” — Ajahn Pasanno. [Cause of Suffering] [Humor] [Politics and society]

Quote: “Don’t believe your mind. It’s a liar and a cheat.” — Ajahn Chah. [Ajahn Chah] [Heart/mind] [False speech] [Delusion]


Chanting, Session 1 – Jun. 2, 2018

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13. “The fourth precept used to be translated as false and harmful speech. In the new chanting book, it’s just lying. Is there a reason for this?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [False speech] [Pāli] [Chanting] // [Right Speech]

Reference: Amaravati Chanting Book, p. 130 [False speech]

Sutta: MN 41: Saleyyaka Sutta


Awaken to the New Year Retreat, Session 4 – Jan. 2, 2021

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2. “There is a constant sense of confusion underneath most of the experiences. Other defilements come and go, but moha of various form and intensity seems to be always present. Any suggestions?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Delusion ] [Unwholesome Roots] // [Mindfulness] [Clear comprehension] [Mindfulness of body] [Continuity of mindfulness]

Quote: “The mind is a liar and a cheat.” — Ajahn Chah. [Ajahn Chah] [Heart/mind] [False speech]