RIGHT SPEECH
Refraining from Frivolous Speech
|
Frivolous speech is
unhealthy. Refraining from frivolous speech is healthy. (MN 9)
Abandoning frivolous speech, one refrains from frivolous speech. One
speaks at the right time, speaks only what is fact, and speaks about
what is good. One speaks what is worthy of being overheard, words that
are reasonable, moderate, and beneficial. (DN 1) One practices thus:
"Others may speak frivolously, but I shall abstain from frivolous
speech." (MN 8)
When a person commits an offense of some kind, you should not hurry to
reprove them but rather consider whether or not to speak. If you will
not be troubled, the other person will be hurt, and you can help them
emerge from what is unhealthy and establish them in what is healthy—then
it is proper to speak. It is a trifle that they will be hurt compared
with the value of helping establish them in what is healthy. (MN 103)
|
|
|
|
So many of our
speech patterns are habitual and unfold automatically. The practice of
right speech gives us an opportunity to notice this, because we are
bringing greater awareness to the action of speaking. It also enables us
to change our habitual patterns because it gives us time to respond
differently. The ability to pause and reflect before responding is
particularly important when in the presence of offensive speech.
|
|
|
The next time
you feel offended by something someone says to you, slow down enough to
not react automatically and to take some time to consider whether or not
to speak. Not every put down requires a comeback. The critical factor in
the analysis above is whether or not what you say will make a
difference. It is okay to hurt someone’s feelings if you "can help them
emerge from what is unhealthy" and get on a better track.
|
|
Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Social Action
One week from today: Refraining from False Speech
Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media
#DhammaWheel
Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
No comments:
Post a Comment