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 true or untrue. . . . 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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These days, it
seems we are surrounded by malicious speech. So much speech is intended
to divide, to insult, and to vent anger and frustration. We do not need
to participate in this, however alluring it may seem at times. We can
choose to work in the other direction, speaking in ways that unite
people and promote concord. As you become sensitized to this, its
healthy benefits become increasingly apparent.
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It is hard to
remain equanimous when you know people are lying to you. "But still they
do what’s hard to do," the Buddha said in the face of this. To resist
the reflex to strike back and instead respond with kindness and
compassion is a difficult practice. Yet it can be done. Regardless of
the facts on the table, the quality of our own response in any situation
is the measure of our wisdom and understanding.
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Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Verbal Action
One week from today: Refraining from Harsh Speech
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