梵網經菩薩戒本疏 3.39

3.39

First, as for the intention of the prohibition, there are briefly three intentions: 1. To prevent destroying faith: The bodhisattva, in principle, should broadly protect the Three Jewels, conceal evils, and publicize goods in order to generate faith in sentient beings; how could one speak of offenses, ruin and sully faith, and go against the practice of benefiting others? Therefore, it must be strictly prohibited. 2. To prevent incurring grave guilt: Bodhisattvas of initial aspiration cannot avoid slight mistakes; in principle, one should praise their real virtues to accomplish one's own correct practice, yet on the contrary, with an evil mind one improperly seeks out their shortcomings and relates their offenses in speech, burdening oneself with grave transgressions; therefore, it must be prohibited. 3. To prevent turning one's back on kindness and virtue: By the kindness of the Three Jewels and the precept-dharma which guards the body, and by accumulating superior virtues, one will obtain the great fruit; in principle, one should powder one's bones and shatter one's body to protect and uphold the legacy, yet now, conversely, with evil words one speaks of their offenses, extremely turning one's back on kindness; therefore, it must be prohibited.