In Ambalatthika-Rahulovada sutta, Buddha used analogy to teach his son Rahula (who was also ordained) on the importance of the precept of abstinence from lying. He taught him to abstain from lying and told him only a person with no shame (hiri) will lie without battling an eye. Venerable K Rathanasara from Sri Lankayama Temple illustrates further... မုသာစကားကိုမှရှောင်ကြဉ် झूट नगर्न [Summary of Dhamma sharing on 10 May 2015]- Truthful Words
Truthfulness is one of ten perfections and its importance is illustrated in the Ambalatthika-Rahulovada Sutta. The Buddha having left a little water in the water dipper, asked young Rahula, "Rahula, do you see this little bit of water remaining in the water dipper? That's how little virtue there is in anyone who feels no shame at telling a deliberate lie." The Buddha then tossed the left-over water away and said, "Rahula, do you see how this little bit of left-over water is tossed away? Anyone who feels no shame at telling a deliberate lie is tossed away just like that." Having turned the water dipper upside down, the Blessed One continued, "Rahula, one who feels no shame at telling a deliberate lie is turned upside down just like that." "Rahula, do you see how empty and hollow this water dipper is? One who feels no shame at telling a deliberate lie is just like that - empty and hollow.” A skillful Buddhist should check his/her own intention and carefully consider if the outcomes are wholesome or not. He is aware of the positive psychological imprints of being truthful and values truthfulness as a step towards the development of wisdom.
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