法苑珠林 89.38

89.38

The Buddha said, 'By refraining from frivolous speech, one obtains ten kinds of merits. What are the ten? First, devas and humans love and respect one. Second, wise people rejoice in accordance. Third, one constantly delights in true matters. Fourth, one is not disliked by wise people, and they dwell together without parting. Fifth, upon hearing speech, one is able to comprehend it. Sixth, one constantly receives honor, love, and respect. Seventh, one constantly finds delight in the araṇya. Eighth, one delights in the noble silence. Ninth, one remains far from evil people and draws near to the noble and virtuous. Tenth, upon the dissolution of the body and the end of life, one is reborn in wholesome destinies. Virtuous ones, this is called obtaining ten kinds of merits by refraining from frivolous speech. If one can dedicate these roots of goodness toward unsurpassable bodhi, before long, when this person attains unsurpassable wisdom and reaches bodhi, sentient beings of upright appearance will come to be reborn in that land, strong in memory, not forgetful, and delighting in dwelling detached from desire.'