DiscoverSNSN 45–56SN 56SN 56.74

The Buddha teaches the four noble truths regarding lying, urging mendicants to practice for direct knowledge of suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path.

SN 56.74 Lying

… “Evameva kho, bhikkhave, appakā te sattā ye musāvādā paṭiviratā; atha kho eteva bahutarā sattā ye musāvādā appaṭiviratā …pe….

Catutthaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

… “Evameva kho, bhikkhave, appakā te sattā ye musāvādā paṭiviratā; atha kho eteva bahutarā sattā ye musāvādā appaṭiviratā …pe….

“… the sentient beings who refrain from lying are few, while those who don’t refrain are many. …”

Catutthaṁ.

Qualities:

Wisdom

Wisdom

☀️ bright quality

Lived understanding and sound judgment that steers the mind away from suffering, distinct from mere accumulation of facts.

Also known as: (of a person) wise, astute, intelligent, learned, skilled, firm, stable, steadfast, an experiential understanding of the four noble truths
Pāli: paññā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita, asammūḷha
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Wrong speech

Wrong speech

☁️ dark quality

Speech that deceives, divides, wounds, or wastes. It includes lying, slander, harshness, and idle chatter. Such speech distorts truth, breaks trust, and stirs the mind toward harm and discord.

Also known as: false speech, lying, divisive, slanderous or defamatory or malicious speech, abusive or rude or unkind way of speaking, meaningless talk or idle chatter or gossip
Pāli: musāvāda, pisuṇavācā, pharusāvācā, samphappalāpa
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Last updated on July 27, 2026

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