"Keep your g*ddamned nose out of other people's business"

"The highest moral precept is this: 'Keep your g*ddamned nose out of other people's business.'"

Ananda:

A group of friends developed around the Yogi and his "teaching." They weren't exactly disciples (though he half-jokingly called them "The Sangha"). But they were a sort of "spiritual support group."

And, as in any group, sometimes they squabbled.

Once, one woman took it on herself to criticize another for every little thing she did (she said she was "just trying to help"). Things blew up, and there were hard feelings in The Sangha for weeks.

Later, someone asked the Yogi what precept, what commandment, what "spiritual law" might have prevented this.

He replied, "The highest moral precept is this: 'Keep your g*ddamned nose out of other people's business.'"

Ed.:

I am not aware of any rule that specifically prohibits "busybodyness."

All religions speak of proper speech. "Right speech" is part of Buddhism's "Noble Eightfold Path," and the first half of Chapter 3 in the Book of James is all about using the tongue correctly.

But to my knowledge, there is no prohibition against admonishing others, at least in prominent lists like the Ten Commandments or the Five Precepts.

Odd, then, that the Yogi should call this "the highest moral precept."

But maybe not so odd, as he seems to have chosen the path of a solitary practitioner.

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

Questions:

1. Why would the Yogi call this "the highest moral precept"? Do you agree?

2. Do you know of any precept that prohibits "busybodyness"?