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)
An authentic person is one who even unasked reveals their own faults—how
much more so when asked. When asked, however, and obliged to reply to
questions, one speaks of one’s own faults fully and in detail. (AN 4.73)
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The last time
we looked at refraining from frivolous speech we focused on holding back
from criticizing others. Now we look at the flip side of that—being
willing to be forthcoming about your own faults. The idea here is not to
put yourself down but to be honest with yourself. It is an example of
speaking only what is fact and what is beneficial, since admitting your
faults allows you to grow beyond them.
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This is a
practice of humility and has to do with cultivating a humble attitude
about yourself. It counteracts those qualities of mind that contribute
to the inflation of the sense of self, such as pride and conceit, and
helps moderate the tendency to aggrandize the self. You need not dwell
on your faults, and it is okay to equally acknowledge your strengths,
but simply stating both honestly is a form of right speech.
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Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Social Action
One week from today: Refraining from False Speech
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