Overview
Proclaiming the Dhamma is a highly sensitive moral action. The Buddha explicitly warned that teaching the doctrine to others can either create immense merit or introduce corrupt defilements into the teacher’s stream of consciousness. He established a strict five-part internal rubric that a preacher must maintain to ensure their speech remains pure and effective.
The List
- Anupubbikathaṃ kathessāmi - I will teach progressively: Arranging the sermon in a logical, step-by-step sequence, moving from basic giving and virtue up to renunciation and the Four Noble Truths.
- Pariyāyadassāvī kathessāmi - I will teach with reasons: Explaining the logical cause-and-effect dynamics behind every concept, using clear reasons rather than blind dogmatism.
- Anuddayataṃ paṭicca kathessāmi - I will teach out of compassion: Speaking with a heart full of empathy, driven solely by a desire to relieve the listener’s immediate suffering.
- Na āmisantaro kathessāmi - I will teach without material interest: Refraining entirely from preaching to secure donations, money, status, fame, or personal favors from lay supporters.
- Attānañca parañca anupahacca kathessāmi - I will teach without hurting self or others: Delivering the absolute truth without elevating oneself and without attacking or disparaging other individuals.
Textual References
- Canonical: Udayī Sutta (AN 5.159) – The Buddha delivers this list to Venerable Ānanda after noticing the monk Udayī preaching to a large lay crowd, outlining the high code of a true preacher.