法苑珠林 70.13

70.13

Therefore the *Bodhisattvabhūmi-śāstra* says: "The sin of false speech also causes sentient beings to fall into the three evil destinies. If born among humans, one receives two kinds of retribution: first, frequently being slandered; second, being deceived by others." Why does false speech lead to a fall into hell? Because false speech is untrue and causes people to suffer in vain; therefore, when the body dies, one receives the suffering of hell. Why does false speech lead to emerging as an animal? Because deceit and falsehood violate human good faith; therefore, emerging from hell, one receives animal retribution. Why does false speech lead to becoming a hungry ghost? Because false speech is always rooted in greed and deceit; due to the sin of stinginess and deceit, one becomes a hungry ghost. Why, as a human, is one frequently slandered? Because of one's false speech and lack of sincerity. Why, through false speech, is one deceived by others? Because through false speech one deceived and misled others. One should know that false speech brings four great sufferings.