RIGHT SPEECH
Refraining from Harsh Speech
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Harsh speech is unhealthy.
Refraining from harsh speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning harsh speech,
one refrains from harsh speech. One speaks words that are gentle,
pleasing to the ear, and affectionate, words that go to the heart, are
courteous, and are agreeable to many. (DN 1) One practices thus: “Others
may speak harshly, but I shall abstain from harsh speech.” (MN 8)
How does there come to be insistence on local language and overriding of
normal usage? In different localities they call the same thing by
different words. So whatever they call it in such and such a locality,
one speaks accordingly, firmly adhering to that word and insisting:
“Only this is correct; anything else is wrong.” (MN 139)
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One way of
refraining from harsh speech is to be adaptable to different modes of
speech and not insist on your own particular way of stating things. In
ancient India the Buddha moved from one region to another and
encountered local variations of dialect. Today also we often move in
different circles and encounter different populations, and it would help
facilitate effective communication if we remained flexible in our
speech.
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Try as a
practice reframing your own thoughts and words in the vernacular of
another. Today this seems especially important. Each person and each
community has their own particular way of perceiving and expressing
things, and we can only learn from each other if we are open to
different modes of speech. Notice when you restate something said by
another, perhaps diminishing their voice, and learn not to do this.
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Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Mental Action
One week from today: Refraining from Frivolous Speech
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