RIGHT ACTION
Reflecting Upon Verbal Action
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However the seed is
planted, in that way the fruit is gathered. Good things come from doing
good deeds, bad things come from doing bad deeds. (SN 11.10) What is the
purpose of a mirror? For the purpose of reflection. So too verbal
action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61)
When you wish to do an action with speech, reflect upon that same verbal
action thus: "Would this action I wish to do with speech lead to the
affliction of another?" If, upon reflection, you know that it would,
then do not do it; if you know that it would not, then proceed. (MN 61)
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Often a
conversation is like a chess game, in which it is beneficial to be able
to think a few moves ahead. Are you just expressing what is on your
mind, or do you want to have the other person hear you so you can have
an impact on what they are thinking? Considering the impact your words
have on others is a skill that can be learned, and it increases the
effectiveness of your speech. It is good to be aware of what you are
saying.
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Try slowing
down your speech pattern and taking that extra moment to pause and check
in on your emotional and mental state before you respond. With what
quality of mind will you speak the next words: annoyance? agitation?
benevolence? equanimity? Normal speech patterns are often very rapid,
not giving us much time for reflection, but being more reflective is an
extremely valuable practice.
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Tomorrow: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given
One week from today: Reflecting upon Mental Action
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