Item 4 in Ten Major Bodhisattva Precepts
Do not use false speech
Do not lie, deceive or induce falsehood.
- Position
- 4
- 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: Fourth grave precept
Original term: Fourth grave precept
Transliteration: Fourth grave precept
Source wording
<p>Do not lie, deceive or induce falsehood.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>
Literal meaning
Do not lie, deceive or induce falsehood.
Broader interpretation
Do not lie, deceive or induce falsehood.
Historical context
This principle belongs to Ten Major Bodhisattva Precepts and must be read within that framework's setting.
Practical meaning
Do not lie, deceive or induce falsehood.
Ethical purpose
Do not lie, deceive or induce falsehood.
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 lie, deceive or induce falsehood. 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 lie, deceive or induce falsehood. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.
Ethical themes
Sources
- The Brahmā's Net Sutra Primary source