Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from Frivolous Speech

 



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)

A person should examine things in such a way that while examining them their consciousness is not stuck internally, and not clinging, they do not become agitated. Then there is no origination of suffering. (MN 138)
Reflection
Suffering arises when consciousness gets stuck internally. That is to say, the mind gets attached to the things flowing through it and cannot let go of one thing to allow the next thing to arise. This can happen a lot when we are communicating. How often do you appear to be listening to someone when in fact you are rehearsing what you are going to say next? Right speech requires unsticking the mind from its internal clinging.

Daily Practice
Encourage your mind to work like Teflon, encountering everything but not getting attached or stuck to the objects it becomes aware of. This requires listening to a person speak, for example, without grabbing hold of a particular word or phrase but remaining open to everything that is said. Stay focused on what is happening in the present moment and respond appropriately, without projecting your own internal attachments.

Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Social Action
One week from today: Refraining from False Speech

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Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation // Words of Wisdom - October 23, 2024 💌

 

"What is common to all forms is not another form. What is common to all forms, is choiceless awareness, it is pure love, it is flow and harmony with the universe. It is the absence of clinging. How does it all come together? If you follow all of the forms to the apex, you are pushed beyond form and into the moment. The passing show of forms, being created and existing then disappearing into formlessness. "

- Ram Dass

 
>> Want to dive deeper with Ram Dass? Click Here to Receive a Daily Wisdom Text from Ram Dass & Friends.

Via The Raft: Learn From Our Direct Experience

 







Inspiration from the International Plum Village Community
October 2024

The Raft

"Each morning is an opportunity. Each step is an opportunity. Each sitting session is an opportunity. Do we know how to take the opportunity when it presents itself ?"

Thich Nhat Hanh, In Love and Trust

Feelin' Stronger Every Day (2002 Remaster)