Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from Frivolous Speech

 

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RIGHT SPEECH Refraining from Frivolous Speech 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 not be troubled, the other person will not be hurt, and you can help them emerge from what is unhealthy and establish them in what is healthy, then it is proper to speak. (MN 103)

Reflection The fourth category of right speech is refraining from frivolous speech. This is not meant to stifle us entirely or to reduce human expression to essential facts and nothing more; rather, it is an invitation to pay more careful attention to what we say. It is healthy to speak what is true, to speak about what is good, and to be moderate in our speech, even if other people are not. What can you say that is helpful? Daily Practice Has it ever occurred to you that some people speak just for the sake of speaking, or say anything and everything that comes to mind, or go on indefinitely repeating the same stories? See if you can notice yourself doing this from time to time. Practice being aware enough of your own speech patterns to notice whether you are always saying something useful or necessary or valuable. Sometimes it is better to stay silent. Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Social Action One week from today: Refraining from False Speech Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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