The Ten Nonvirtuous Actions

Primary
Negative Lower Realm
Action Gate Emotion Rebirth Human Realm Rebirth Worst Action Virtuous Action
reborn in warlike places or
1 killing body aggression hell afflicted by diseases killing parents, arhat or guru saving lives
passion
2 stealing body (grasping) hungry ghost impoverishment stealing from the 3 jewels generosity
passion one's partner becomes like intercourse with one's
3 sexual misconduct body (grasping) hungry ghost an enemy mother who is also arhat sexual discipline
lying about one's spiritual
4 lying speech ignorance animal not being believed by others attainments speaking the truth
being separated from causing a schism in the
5 slander speech aggression hell friends Sangha bringing harmony
frequently hearing harsh saying harsh words to gentle speech which
6 harsh speech speech aggression hell words parents or Buddha brings benefit
gossip or idle distracting those who
7 chatter speech ignorance animal one's words carry no weight practice the Dharma to speak with meaning
wishing to steal from those
passion having a mind dominated by who have renounced the
8 covetousness mind (grasping) hungry ghost greed world rejoicing for others
contemplating to commit 5 compassion and
9 wishing harm mind aggression hell having many enemies heinous crimes kindness
possess wisdoms of
having confused mind and disbelief in karma or hearing, contemplating
10 wrong views mind ignorance animal dull faculties responsibility and meditating