RIGHT SPEECH
Refraining from Harsh Speech
|
Harsh speech is unhealthy.
Refraining from harsh speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning harsh speech,
one refrains from harsh speech. One speaks words that are gentle,
pleasing to the ear, and affectionate, words that go to the heart, are
courteous, and are agreeable to many. (DN 1) One practices thus: "Others
may speak harshly, but I shall abstain from harsh speech." (MN 8)
A person may be extremely kind, extremely gentle, extremely peaceful, so
long as disagreeable courses of speech do not touch them. But it is
when disagreeable courses of speech touch them that it can be understood
whether that person is really kind, gentle, and peaceful. (MN 21)
|
|
|
|
Learning to
speak words that are "gentle, pleasing to the ear, and affectionate" is
about taking care that the emotion with which they are uttered is not
laced with hatred or ill will. It does not mean that we should refrain
from stating what is true, only that we take care with what attitude we
deliver it. Even very hard truths can be uttered with kindness rather
than with an intention to cause harm. Speaking harshly is unhealthy for
the speaker as well as for the hearer.
|
|
|
Pay careful
attention to your own patterns of speech and especially be on the
lookout for nastiness or an intention to harm. Consider your words
before you speak. And when you catch yourself speaking harshly, reflect
on whether the same thing might have been said in a more skillful
manner. Harsh speech brings out the worst in others. But it can be very
challenging to refrain from hurtful speech, even when the other person
has provoked it.
|
|
Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Mental Action
One week from today: Refraining from Frivolous Speech
Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media
#DhammaWheel
Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
No comments:
Post a Comment