The teaching presented in Chapter 19 offers a stern warning against slander. It explicitly states that one should never slander another person. If you observe that someone's conduct is blameworthy, the correct approach is to instruct them directly to their face, with an understanding of their situation, rather than speaking ill of them behind their back. The text uses strong, sarcastic language to describe a slanderer, calling them a 'benefactor' who 'cleans' another's faults with their tongue. This is meant to highlight the absurdity and spiritual harm of slander, pointing out that the slanderer ultimately causes their own mental and spiritual downfall while ironically making the slandered person more alert to their own faults.
What is Baba's teaching on slander, and how should one properly address another person's faults?
📖 Chapter 19