old-path-white-clouds-thich-nhat-hanh

Rahula set out a chair for the Buddha and brought him a basin of water to wash his feet.
Rahula answered, “There is very little left.”
The Buddha said, “You should know, Rahula, that a person who does not tell the truth has as little integrity left as the water in this basin.”
Rahula was silent. The Buddha poured out the remaining water and asked his son, “Rahula, do you see how I have emptied all the water
out?”
“Yes, I see.”
“Those who continue to tell untruths lose all their integrity just as this basin has lost all its water.”
The Buddha turned the basin upside down and asked Rahula, “Do you see how this basin is turned upside down?”
“Yes, I see. ”
“If we don’t practice correct speech, our integrity is turned upside down just like this basin. Don’t tell fibs even in jest. Rahula, do you
know why one uses a mirror?”
“Yes, a mirror is used to look at one’s reflection.”
“Just so, Rahula. Regard your own actions, thoughts, and words just as a person looks into a mirror.”
Rahula’s story made Svasti more deeply aware of the importance of right speech. He could recall times he had fibbed to his parents, and
even once to Sujata. He was thankful he had never lied to the Buddha. Actually, it seemed impossible to lie to the Buddha. Even if
someone did, the Buddha would surely be able to tell. Svasti thought to himself, “I will resolve always to speak the truth to everyone I
meet, even the smallest child. This will be the way I can show my gratitude to the Buddha for all he has done for me. I will observe the