RIGHT SPEECH
Refraining from Frivolous Speech
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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, one should not hurry to
reprove them but rather should consider whether or not to speak. If you
will be troubled, the other person will be hurt, and you cannot help
them emerge from what is unhealthy and establish themselves in what is
healthy—one should not underrate equanimity toward such a person. (MN
103)
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Many times in
the world of human interaction we encounter minor offenses of some kind
that usually provoke an immediate and unexamined reaction. When we feel
hurt or annoyed or angry, we often lash back automatically. This is what
we are focusing on here. By becoming aware of our speech and only
speaking when it is useful and appropriate, we bypass a lot of
unconscious conditioning that can cause harm.
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Sometimes you
run into a difficult person. There are situations in which it is not
going to be effective to speak up. See if you can identify these
situations when you run across them and remain silent instead of venting
your emotions. Many times it is better to maintain equanimity than to
get drawn into an argument or even a fight. Practice not allowing
yourself to be provoked into unnecessary speech.
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Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Social Action
One week from today: Refraining from False Speech
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