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[Nishith Sutra]
13. A monk who speaks harsh words to a non-Jain or a householder, or approves of such speech.
14. A monk who speaks harsh words to a non-Jain or a householder, or approves of such speech.
15. A monk who speaks harsh words with anger to a non-Jain or a householder, or approves of such speech.
16. A monk who insults a non-Jain or a householder in any way, or approves of such insult. (He incurs the minor four-month penance.)
Discussion: A monk is not allowed to speak harsh language at all. For speaking even slightly harsh words, the minor four-month penance is incurred according to Nishith Uddeshak 2 Sutra 19. And for speaking harsh words to a teacher or a Ratnaadhikar, the major four-month penance is mentioned in Uddeshak 10. These present sutras mention the minor four-month penance for speaking harsh words to any householder or for insulting them in any other way. The explanation of the words "Aagaadh" etc. is found in the tenth Uddeshak.
A monk should always speak words that are beneficial to all, limited, and sweet. Whether it is a small monk or a big monk, a small or big householder, or even children, it is not appropriate to speak harsh words to anyone, to scorn them, or to insult them in any way. Doing so corrupts restraint, insulting others is the cause of the arising of passions. Therefore, he is liable to penance according to these sutras.
Speaking harsh language leads to defilement, which binds karma and also becomes the cause of conflict.
The statement about the wisdom regarding language is found in the Dasavaikalik Sutra, chapters 4-6-7-8-10, in Aacha. Shru. 2, chapter 4, and in the Prashnavyakaran Shru. 2, chapter 2, and also in many places in the Uttaradhyayanasutra etc. The observance of the language committee in the five committees is said to be very difficult. Therefore, a monk should always be very careful about his language.
Penance for Curiosity-related Actions
17. A monk who performs a curiosity-related action, or approves of such action.