nowmindful wrote: ↑Thu Jan 16, 2020 4:43 pm
All people tell lies unless he or she is mute, such as saying small white lies, saying things that are not accurate to realities whether intentionally or not, changing decisions after words were said, etc. Very common is time: can you very make sure you can say the exact current time if being asked? Being late for meeting people also considered as lying as not keeping promises.
Buddhist doctrines are not based on faith, but on investigation. I found this Buddha quote in other website: "Don't blindly believe what I say. Don't believe me because others convince you of my words. Don't believe anything you see, read, or hear from others, whether of authority, religious teachers or texts. Don't rely on logic alone, nor speculation. Don't infer or be deceived by appearances. Find out for yourself what is true and virtuous."
We lie for reasons or unwittingly. But make sure that the actions are wholesome to others and self. Try to be flexible.
Each person has their own different karma and circumstances, different versions of personal realities and truths - at least in conventional and samsaric existence, including us humans.
But generally, much of the strife in huge part caused by too much excessive desires and wanting, which often lying and deceitful behaviors is borned out of.
I would also add that if is not based on solid objective evidences in actual reality and experiences and/or if it is not practical - then it is not worthy of consideration, and can be considered simply just wrong for all practical intents and purposes - at least for this life anyways. Blind faith and forced obedience, without full understanding is just plain wrong.
Truth is generally the best policy and the most solid ground to go by. Although speaking about the objective truth, or even in support of it, seems to generate much more controversies in the modern degenerate era than in the past. As many modern tyrants and power-obsessed authorities seek to silence out the "inconvenient truth" that goes against their own beliefs and versions of "personal truths" and selfish personal agendas.
Thus there are many reasons why, and many people who do advise that
silence is golden, even for personal-safety purposes and conflict avoidance/etc. Now if you will excuse me...