This talk by Steve Gasner is the fifth in the speaker series titled Ethics, Action, and the Five Precepts. The training precept of refraining from false speech is one of the components of Right Speech in the Noble Eightfold Path. The other three components of Right Speech include refraining from harsh speech, divisive speech and idle chatter. (The other four training precepts fall under Right Action.) Although virtue (sila) will enhance our meditation, unfortunately, we have a tendency to lie, especially telling white lies. We may think white lies are not harmful, however they could create basic trust issues in relationships, because someone is always fooled. So one of the general rules that the Buddha gave is to speak truthfully, usefully and timely.

This series explores virtue as the indispensable foundation of Buddhist practice. It is structured according to the five training precepts. These precepts are not rules to be followed obediently; rather, they serve as guidelines for the intentional development of compassion, mindfulness and wisdom. These five precepts offer us a joyful method to cultivate the heart, nurture harmony in our relationships, and free the mind from inner forces of greed and hatred that if left unrestrained might cause suffering for ourselves and others.