The Standards of a Virtuous Bodhisattva

Bodhisattvas are required to cultivate the Four Methods of Guidance: loving speech, beneficial actions, altruistic conduct, and working alongside others. Only through these practices can they establish virtuous affinities with sentient beings, ensuring success in all endeavors. Without such wholesome connections with beings, one cannot function effectively as a Bodhisattva nor liberate others. In worldly affairs, favorable conditions are emphasized, yet in the Dharma, wholesome affinities are even more crucial. Wholesome affinities bind people together, enabling mutual support, collective progress, self-benefit and benefiting others, thereby accelerating the cultivation of the Bodhisattva path and ultimately attaining Buddhahood. Those who intentionally or unintentionally create obstacles for themselves are acting without wisdom—placing stumbling blocks in their own path, setting traps for themselves, ultimately leading to personal loss and dissatisfaction. The wise consider the consequences of their words and deeds, ensuring they neither harm others' interests nor damage their reputation, refraining from praising themselves while disparaging others. "Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire" is the most fundamental principle of human conduct. How much more so for those aspiring to be Bodhisattvas—they must uphold principles even higher than this. A Bodhisattva's thoughts and actions should always aim to bestow benefits upon others and take adversity upon oneself. One must never invert this principle, claiming all good for oneself and shifting all misfortune to others—such conduct is utterly unbefitting of a Bodhisattva.

When issues arise between Bodhisattvas, they should speak frankly face to face, addressing matters directly. If a fault exists, it should be corrected; if not, take it as constructive feedback. Avoid engaging in gossip or sowing discord behind others' backs. Those who spread rumors easily commit the offense of slander, which carries severe consequences. Speaking accurately about factual faults constitutes "rooted slander" (based on truth), while spreading falsehoods constitutes "rootless slander" (unfounded). The mildest form is called "speaking of the faults of the Fourfold Assembly." The Fourfold Assembly comprises male and female lay practitioners and male and female monastics, with the monastic assembly also known as the Triple Gem. The Triple Gem is further divided into the Mundane Triple Gem and the Ultimate Triple Gem. Both speaking of the faults of the Fourfold Assembly and slander are grave karmic offenses with heavy retributions. May all Bodhisattvas diligently guard their speech karma. Matters should be clarified openly to allow timely correction, mutual supervision, and support.

Among all sentient beings, the karma most easily created is that of speech: false speech, divisive speech, frivolous speech, harsh speech, along with rumor-mongering, sowing discord, envy, slander (also called false accusation and framing). The precepts impose extremely strict requirements regarding speech karma because it is the easiest to commit, most frequently committed, and often goes unnoticed. Therefore, everyone should carefully consider their words before speaking, not uttering whatever comes to mind while disregarding all consequences.