Item 10 in Ten Major Bodhisattva Precepts
Do not slander the Three Jewels
Do not maliciously denigrate the Buddha, Dharma or Sangha.
- Position
- 10
- 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: Tenth grave precept
Original term: Tenth grave precept
Transliteration: Tenth grave precept
Source wording
<p>Do not maliciously denigrate the Buddha, Dharma or Sangha.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>
Literal meaning
Do not maliciously denigrate the Buddha, Dharma or Sangha.
Broader interpretation
Do not maliciously denigrate the Buddha, Dharma or Sangha.
Historical context
This principle belongs to Ten Major Bodhisattva Precepts and must be read within that framework's setting.
Practical meaning
Do not maliciously denigrate the Buddha, Dharma or Sangha.
Ethical purpose
Do not maliciously denigrate the Buddha, Dharma or Sangha.
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 maliciously denigrate the Buddha, Dharma or Sangha. 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 maliciously denigrate the Buddha, Dharma or Sangha. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.
Ethical themes
Sources
- The Brahmā's Net Sutra Primary source