On social media, people borrow Master Minh Tue’s name or clip his words out of context to spread misleading content. Does false speech carry different weight for a practitioner versus a layperson? In Nepal on February 19, 2026, the Master analyzed each layer of false speech — from the lighter end to the heaviest consequences.
Buddhist disciple asks: Regarding lying, how are the sins and merits different between a practitioner and a layperson? There are many people borrowing your words to utter false speech and speak untruths in the media? (February 19, 2026 – Nepal)
Master Minh Tue answers:
If a layperson doesn’t know but lies, it is still a sin, but lighter than someone who knows yet still lies to deceive. Some people speak on my behalf, saying tomorrow I will be arrested, that is their karmic condition.
If they speak nonsense, later on people won’t believe them anymore, like a wolf pretending to be a lion to scare other animals; once known, no one is afraid anymore. I thank those who speak ill of me so I can check if I still have anger and delusion.
If we try to correct it or harm them, we get stuck in greed, anger, and delusion. I hope no one speaks ill of them like that because they themselves will have to bear the karmic retribution.
* Master Minh Tue always gives brief and concise answers suitable for the listener in each circumstance. Below is a deeper explanation and analysis so that those who wish to learn can thoroughly grasp the Master’s teachings.
The karma of False Speech: The loss of trust
The precept of “No false speech” (Vọng ngữ) is one of the 5 basic precepts of a layperson and is an extremely strict precept for a practitioner. The Master clearly analyzes the law of cause and effect here: A person who clearly understands the precepts (already knows) but deliberately borrows someone else’s name to deceive, seek profit, or gain views will bring upon themselves a much heavier karma compared to an ignorant person who doesn’t know.
The most terrifying punishment for a liar is not external punishment, but the erosion of prestige: “If they speak nonsense, later on people won’t believe them anymore.” A person who loses their credibility (like a wolf borrowing the tiger’s majesty and getting exposed) will lose all respect and opportunities in life. That is the immediate law of cause and effect.
The trap of “Correcting”
The normal reflex of worldly people when slandered (e.g., rumored to “be arrested tomorrow”) is to immediately speak up to clarify, correct, and even threaten to sue the rumor monger. But for a practitioner, the Master views it as a trap of the ego.
“If we try to correct it or harm them, we get stuck in greed, anger, and delusion.” When you make an effort to correct it, inside you is harboring Greed (the desire to protect the Ego’s honor) and Anger (frustration due to being wrongly accused). Arguing with a liar only drags you down to their level and muddies your mind. The Master chooses to use silence as a test for his mind, silently thanking the adversity for helping him measure whether his practice is firm enough.
All-encompassing compassion
The most wonderful thing is that the Master doesn’t wish for anyone to punish or speak ill back at those who spread rumors about him. He thoroughly understands the operating laws of karmic retribution: “They themselves will have to bear the karmic retribution.” Compassion is not only for those who love us, but also feeling sorry for those who are sowing evil seeds to bring suffering upon themselves in the future.
Have you encountered misinformation about Master Minh Tue? How did you handle it?
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