法界次第初門 1.228

1.228

Fourth, the precept against false speech. What is meant by false speech? With an impure mind desiring to deceive another, concealing the actual facts, uttering divergent words, and generating vocal karma—this is named false speech. If one does not do this, it is named the precept against false speech. The offense of false speech arises from mutual comprehension through speech and sound; if there is no mutual comprehension, even if it is not true speech, it is in all cases a preliminary expedient of false speech and is not deemed a primary offense.