[JohnImamadviser]

'evil' is certainly a strong word. although my intention in starting this thread was not to emphasise the English word 'evil'

by 'evil', i assumed readers would understand this word in a buddhist context to mean 'harmful', 'dangerous', etc

Goofaholix, are you suggesting 'evil' is an inaccurate translation? what alternative word can be used to reflective clearer meaning?

Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṃ, kusalassa upasampadā
Sacittapariyodapanaṃ, etaṃ buddhāna sāsanaṃ

To avoid all evil, to cultivate good, and to cleanse one's mind — this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

Buddhavagga Abhittharetha kalyāṇe, pāpā cittaṃ nivāraye;
Dandhañhi karoto puññaṃ, pāpasmiṃ ramatī mano.
Pāpañce puriso kayirā, na naṃ kayirā punappunaṃ;
Na tamhi chandaṃ kayirātha, dukkho pāpassa uccayo.
Puññañce puriso kayirā, kayirā naṃ punappunaṃ;
Tamhi chandaṃ kayirātha, sukho puññassa uccayo.

Hasten to do good; restrain your mind from evil. He who is slow in doing good, his mind delights in evil.
Should a person commit evil, let him not do it again and again. Let him not find pleasure therein, for painful is the accumulation of evil.
Should a person do good, let him do it again and again. Let him find pleasure therein, for blissful is the accumulation of good.

Papavagga e·vil   [ee-vuhl]
adjective
1. morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked: evil deeds; an evil life.
2. harmful; injurious: evil laws.
3. characterized or accompanied by misfortune or suffering; unfortunate; disastrous: to be fallen on evil days.
4. due to actual or imputed bad conduct or character: an evil reputation.
5. marked by anger, irritability, irascibility, etc.: He is known for his evil disposition.