RIGHT SPEECH
Refraining from Malicious Speech
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Malicious speech is
unhealthy. Refraining from malicious speech is healthy. (MN 9)
Abandoning malicious speech, one refrains from malicious speech. One
does not repeat there what one has heard here to the detriment of these,
or repeat here what he has heard there to the detriment of those. One
unites those who are divided, is a promoter of friendships, and speaks
words that promote concord. (DN 1) One practices thus: “Others may speak
maliciously, but I shall abstain from malicious speech.” (MN 8)
If anyone should speak in praise of something, you should not on that
account be pleased, happy, or elated. To be pleased, happy, or elated
would only be an impediment to you. If others speak in praise of
something, you should acknowledge the truth of what is true. (DN 1)
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This passage
warns us of the dangers of praise and blame, and the importance of
equanimity as a safeguard against them. Blaming people is one form
malicious speech can take, but praising in certain ways can have the
same effect. If you allow yourself to be angered by blame or flattered
by praise, you lose your ability to see clearly and appraise objectively
what is being said. Better to greet both with equanimity.
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Notice when you
hear people speaking in praise of something and see if you can discern
any hidden motive for doing so. If what they are saying is true, then
you can acknowledge the truth of it. But if the praise is part of an
underlying agenda of manipulating opinion in some way, then it is
appropriate to be more careful. Practice maintaining equanimity and
beware the influence of praise and blame.
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Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Verbal Action
One week from today: Refraining from Harsh Speech
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