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7. Purity in Speech
thing] is the best of all, exceedingly valuable, incomparable, unique, impossible, indescribable, [and] never done [before]. 44. He should not say that he will explain all, really all; a thoughtful [monk] should in all cases make a precise [and] complete report. 45. He should not say that an article is well bought or sold, [nor] that it must be or must not be bought [at all], [or] that it ought or ought not to be taken. 46. In every question of an object of commerce, be it valuable or on sale or not, he should speak in an irreproachable manner. 47. Furthermore, a wise [monk should not say] without self-control "sit down", "come [here]", "do [this]", "lie down", "stand [up]", [or] "tell"; a thoughtful [monk] should not say thus. 48. Many people in this world are called Pious Ones (who do not deserve this name). (Such an one) he should not call (so), [but] him who is, he should call (so). 49. [A man who] possesses knowledge [and] faith, who is devoted to self-control and austerities - [a man who] has these qualities [and is] self-controlled, [him] he should call a Pious One. 50. During a struggle between gods [or] men [or] animals he should not wish victory or defeat to one party. 51. He should not (ask): "when shall we have wind ?", or "rain", or "cold [weather]", "warm [weather]", "peace", "good living", "welfare", nor (hope for the contrary). 52. Just so, he should not say that a cloud, the sky, or a man is a god, [but] he should [simply] state [the fact] that a cloud has formed itself [or has risen] high, or that a thunder-cloud has sent down rain; 53. [the sky] he should call the sky, [and] when he sees a rich man whom people believe to be served by Guhyakas, he should [simply] call him rich. 54. A speech [is forbidden] which approves of a bad action, or which, by endorsing [an opinion], will offend [another person]; a man should not speak from anger, greed, or fear, nor while in a state of [undue] pleasure. 55. A monk should always avoid bad speech, caring for purity in all his words. He should speak precisely, in well-measured tones and without ill-will, [then] he [will] obtain a good reputation among pious people. 56. He should know the faults and merits of speech, and he should always avoid those who make bad use of it. Controlled [in his conduct] towards the six [groups of souls], [and] always restrained in monkhood the wise one shall speak good [and]
