Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from Harsh Speech

 

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RIGHT SPEECH Refraining from Harsh Speech 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) Just see how many people fight! I’ll tell you about the dreadful fear that caused me to shake all over: seeing creatures flopping around, like fish in shallow water, so hostile to one another! Seeing people locked in conflict, I became completely distraught. But then I discerned here a thorn, hard to see, lodged deep in the heart. It’s only when pierced by this thorn that one runs in all directions. So if that thorn is taken out, one does not run and settles down. (Sn 935-939)

Reflection This poignant passage attributed to the Buddha strikingly depicts the human situation under the effects of craving—like fish desperate to breathe in water that is becoming ever shallower—and the conflict to which that gives rise. It is not that we are evil, only wounded by the thorn of desire and driven to hostility by the pain. If the thorn were removed from our hearts we would all become well and live together in harmony.       Daily Practice Look for the thorn in your own heart and pluck it out every time it pierces you. It is not a hard object lodged there since birth that can be removed once and for all. Rather it is a reflex triggered again and again when attachment or aversion or confusion is present. As such, it is a response you can unlearn and remove. Practice replacing craving with equanimity in small ways, gradually gaining the skill of removing the thorn. Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Mental Action One week from today: Refraining from Frivolous Speech Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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