Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from False Speech

RIGHT SPEECH
Refraining from False Speech

False speech is unhealthy. Refraining from false speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning false speech, one dwells refraining from false speech, a truth-speaker, one to be relied on, trustworthy, dependable, not a deceiver of the world. One does not in full awareness speak falsehood for one’s own ends or for another’s ends or for some trifling worldly end. (DN 1) One practices thus: “Others may speak falsely, but I shall abstain from false speech.” (MN 8) When one knows overt sharp speech to be untrue, incorrect, and unbeneficial, one should on no account utter it. (MN 139)

Reflection

How much of what we say is totally useless? We often emphasize the value of expressing ourselves and of “getting things off our chest,” and this accounts for many of the expletives we utter and emotional downloads we deliver. What about the role speech plays in communicating with others? Buddhist teachings encourage us to focus on speaking what is true and what is beneficial—that is, what brings out the best in others.

Daily Practice

Pay attention to how people speak and notice speech that is sharp. One text calls it “stabbing one another with verbal daggers.” You know it when you hear it because you almost feel stabbed or wounded by the aggressive hostility of the words. Now look at your own habits of speaking and see if you can catch yourself doing the same thing. Whenever you notice the intention to speak in ways that are harmful, don’t do it.

Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Bodily Action
One week from today: Refraining from Malicious Speech

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[GBF] new GBF talks

A new talk has been added to the audio archive at the GBF website:

2022_08_07 Lien Shutt Compassion.mp3

Also, here are three talks either by or that featured Paul Shepard:

2013_09_08 Dharma Duo Paul Shepard Philip Rosetti.mp3

2006_05_28 Paul Shepard.mp3

1998_12_20 Buddhist Alliance for Social Engagement Tova Green Terry Stein Paul Shepard incomplete.mp3

Via Daily Dharma: Uprooting Ignorance with Truthfulness

Think of truthfulness not just as the quality of speaking truth but also as the practice of devoting yourself to the clear seeing of reality. Paired with a sense of urgency, truthfulness shows us that our lives are fleeting, which means we don’t have time to waste on delusion. 

Vanessa Zuisei Goddard, “Truthfulness”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation II Words of Wisdom - August 10, 2022 💌

 
 

If you’re still becoming somebody, it’s too early to start your process to becoming nobody. You really have to solidify your somebodiness. Then, when you’re established in somebodiness, then explore your nobodiness. Then after you do that you can be nobody being somebody. That’s the game I play.

- Ram Dass -

Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center, February 15-16th 1997