Item 7 in Ten Major Bodhisattva Precepts
Do not praise yourself while disparaging others
Do not elevate yourself by belittling others.
- Position
- 7
- Form
- Mixed formulation
- Obligation
- Context-dependent
- Wording status
- Translation
- Intended audience
- Practitioners formally undertaking this East Asian Mahāyāna precept lineage
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2027
Names and terminology
Canonical name: Seventh grave precept
Original term: Seventh grave precept
Transliteration: Seventh grave precept
Source wording
<p>Do not elevate yourself by belittling others.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>
Literal meaning
Do not elevate yourself by belittling others.
Broader interpretation
Do not elevate yourself by belittling others.
Historical context
This principle belongs to Ten Major Bodhisattva Precepts and must be read within that framework's setting.
Practical meaning
Do not elevate yourself by belittling others.
Ethical purpose
Do not elevate yourself by belittling others.
Exceptions and disputes
Ancient institutional wording requires careful modern interpretation, especially where safeguarding, criticism and individual rights are involved.
Variations across schools or traditions
Other Mahāyāna texts transmit different bodhisattva-precept systems; this page concerns the Brahmā's Net ten grave precepts.
Modern application
Do not elevate yourself by belittling others. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.
Criticism and difficult cases
Ancient institutional wording requires careful modern interpretation, especially where safeguarding, criticism and individual rights are involved.
Truth By Reason analysis
Do not elevate yourself by belittling others. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.
Ethical themes
Sources
- The Brahmā's Net Sutra Primary source