Section outline
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Lesson 3.4.4 Musāvādasuttaṃ – The Consequences of Wrong Speech
The incident involving Ciñcā, an attractive woman who falsely accused the Buddha (as recounted in the Jayamaṅgala-aṭṭhagāthā), serves as a notable example of deliberate deceit despite knowing the truth. This demeritorious act, known as sampajānamusāvādo (intentional and deliberate lying), is highlighted in the Musāvādasutta. Such a verbal act based on unwholesome volition is the initial step paving the way for more unwholesome acts by speech, body, or mind. The Buddha explained to his son Rāhula that anyone who acts in such a manner has abandoned all regard for their moral conduct and any concern for their future.