I resolve not to use false speech. 

Instead, I will speak the truth 

in a wise way and at the right time. 

False speech is more than outright lying, more than voicing a wrong statement. For instance, denying taking something when we did.

False speech can be exaggerating the retelling of what happened. Maybe in the hope of making a funny event more entertaining. Or making a trivial incident more noteworthy.

False speech can be presenting information in a biased, distorted way to mislead the listener. It can be deliberately deceitful. Or appear harmless. Perhaps stemming from the wish to not hurt others’ feelings or to save them embarrassment.

Know this: false speech is just that, for it lumbers the listener with misinformation. We need instead to speak in a way that others find trustworthy, acceptable, and safe to act on. Truthful speech requires a calm mind. It entails respect for those who hear what we say. It stems from sensitivity.

And sometimes even courage.  

When pursuing something enjoyable, remember... (Click image for video)

I resolve not to engage in sexual misconduct

or in any sensory indulgence. 

Instead, I will develop 

the mind of self-restraint and purity.  

Sensory indulgence underlies the warning against sexual misconduct. In our practice, we seek a pure mind—the state of a controlled mind, undisturbed by what it encounters.

And yet in daily life, we veer toward a conflicting mental state—one of excitement. While such stimulation feels enjoyable at the time, it wreaks havoc with our practice. Plus, sensory indulgence—be it visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, or mental— always ends in suffering.

How so?

The activity stops, and we miss it. Or we become disappointed by our failed attempts to duplicate the experience, feelings included. Or, maybe we just lose interest.

We need to realize that by indulging ourselves in the momentary satisfaction of our senses, we repeatedly distract ourselves from what truly matters—a serene, clear mind untroubled by momentary sensory distractions.