Question: If a ‘teacher’s answer on an important Buddhist question is unorthodox, inconsistent with the Dharma taught by the Buddha, and if this is highlighted by the confused asking us for comments, is it considered as ‘self-praising and slandering of others’ (自赞毁他) if better answers are offered?
Answer: For reference, the ‘Seventh Heavy (Bodhisattva) Precept Against Self-Praising And Slandering Of Others’ (第七自赞毁他戒) in the Brahma Net Sūtra’s Bodhisattva Precepts’ Text《梵网经菩萨戒本》says,
‘If, as Buddhas’ [Bodhisattva] disciples, they should not self-praise and slander others, also instruct others to self-praise and slander others, with slander of others’ causes, slander of others’ conditions, slander of others’ methods and slander of others’ actions. And Bodhisattvas should represent all sentient beings, to receive inflicted slander and insults, with evil deeds directed towards themselves, and good deeds’ credits given to other persons. If as those who personally propagate their own virtues, conceal other persons’ good deeds, and enable other persons to receive slander, this is a Bodhisattva’s parājika transgression.’ (若佛子，自赞毁他、亦教人自赞毁他、毁他因、毁他缘、毁他法、毁他业。而菩萨应代一切众生受加毁辱，恶事向自己，好事与他人。若自扬己德，隐他人好事，令他人受毁者，是菩萨波罗夷罪。)
To protect the Right Dharma (正法), present it as it is. If ‘alternative’ but right answers are given graciously, this is not slandering of others (毁他), as they are neither untruthful nor malicious. Stating things as they are, without boosting personal ego, will not be self-praising (自赞) too. If we do not say the wrong is wrong, and the right as right, we will cease to be dedicated Buddhists.
We should aim to ‘address the matter and not blame the person’ (对事不对人) misrepresenting the Dharma, unless notorious for teaching wrongly and unrepentantly, even after pointing this out to him or her politely and clearly. In this case, it is safer to point out the person, to prevent others from being confused.
When this is done, there should be no ill intentions, but for the good of those who might otherwise be negatively affected. Part of the Bodhisattva Precepts requires to ‘raise transgressions’ (举罪) appropriately, hoping others are open to changing their wrong ways, for their own good and the good of others they influence.
This is not deliberate vicious fault-finding, to be done compassionately when aware of wrongs done or still being done. Some will not be receptive even to good advice. However, having attempted to correct them, even if they refuse to change, they will clearly be the only blameworthy ones, while we will be totally blameless.
If others slander and insult those misrepresenting the Dharma, there is no need to take on the blame or to create excuses for them. There is all the more need to be blameless by presenting the Right Dharma then, without blindly defending those misrepresenting it. Praises and credits should also be given to those who have realised the Right Dharma, and those who propagate it, including the Buddha.
