183

To avoid all injurious [intentions and actions] (harmful, bad, potentially evil [pāpa]),

to cultivate wholesome (healthy, beneficial, useful [kusala]);

And purifying one’s mind (removing the five hindrances [sacittapariyodapanā])—

this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

185

Not speaking ill (refraining from slander, not blaming [anūpavāda]) of others, not harming others,

restraint according to the moral code of conduct;

Knowing moderation in eating,

dwelling in secluded places;

Dedication to the higher mind (meditation, mental development [adhicitta]),

this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

Related Teachings:

Leading to harm or benefit (AN 1.98 - 1.113) - A series of short teachings on internal factors to verify for seeing if harm or benefit are being produced.

Causes for the arising and expansion of the five hindrances (AN 1.11 - 20) - Short teachings on what leads to the arising and expansion of the five hindrances, and what leads to the decline and abandoning of the five hindrances.

Five factors of well-spoken speech (AN 5.198) - Following the five factors of well-spoken speech leads to improvements in one’s personal and professional relationships.