The Buddha describes the five drawbacks in bad verbal conduct … benefits in good verbal conduct …”.

AN 5.247 Bad Verbal Conduct (2nd)

“Pañcime, bhikkhave, ādīnavā vacīduccarite …pe… ānisaṁsā vacīsucarite …pe….

Sattamaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Pañcime, bhikkhave, ādīnavā vacīduccarite …pe… ānisaṁsā vacīsucarite …pe….

“Mendicants, there are these five drawbacks in bad verbal conduct … benefits in good verbal conduct …”

Sattamaṁ.

Qualities:

Harm

Harm

Intention or action that causes injury or suffering to oneself or others. It arises from aversion and heedlessness and destroys trust and safety. The opposite of non-harm, it obscures compassion and leads to regret.

Also known as: injury causing behavior, destructiveness, bad, evil
Pāli: pāpaka
View all discourses →
Wholesome

Wholesome

Conducive to or suggestive of good health and mental well-being.

Also known as: blameless, skillful, beneficial, good, useful, healthy, nourishing, sustaining
Pāli: kusala
View all discourses →

Last updated on July 27, 2026