RIGHT SPEECH
Refraining from Malicious Speech
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Malicious speech is
unhealthy. Refraining from malicious speech is healthy. (MN 9)
Abandoning malicious speech, one refrains from malicious speech. One
does not repeat there what one has heard here to the detriment of these,
or repeat here what he has heard there to the detriment of those. One
unites those who are divided, is a promoter of friendships, and speaks
words that promote concord. (DN 1) One practices thus: "Others may speak
maliciously, but I shall abstain from malicious speech." (MN 8)
When others address you, their speech may be timely or untimely. . . .
One is to train thus: "My mind will be unaffected, and I shall utter no
bad words. I shall abide with compassion for their welfare, with a mind
of lovingkindness, without inner hate." (MN 21)
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The second
category of right speech is refraining from malicious speech, which has a
lot to do with setting people against one another and causing
divisions. Such speech involves harmful intentions and is therefore
unhealthy. Notice the final phrase of the text, wherein one undertakes
to personally refrain from such speech even though others may do it. The
practice here is to change your own behavior, not that of others.
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Pay attention
to the speech you hear around you and see if you can identify malicious
speech when you hear it. Then listen for when you yourself engage in
such speech, often inadvertently. Finally, undertake a commitment to
refrain from malicious speech. This is particularly challenging when you
are interrupted by untimely speech, but such episodes provide an
opportunity to practice not being thrown off by the impropriety of
others.
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Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Verbal Action
One week from today: Refraining from Harsh Speech
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