Avoid Evil

EVIL: As the first step of spiritual cultivation, the Buddhas teach that ‘all evils [i.e. due to greed, hatred and delusion] should not be done’ (诸恶莫作). This is usually interpreted as observation of the precepts. However, it also logically includes not being deludedly led by those who break the precepts, who go against the Dharma. This is where wisdom gained through continual learning of the Dharma is needed, to know the intricate details of the precepts, and what is the right Dharma. Lacking such understanding, one might end up doing and becoming evil unknowingly.