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) A person should examine things in such a way that while examining them, their consciousness is not distracted and scattered externally, and not clinging, one does not become agitated. Then there is no origination of suffering (MN 138)

Reflection This passage seems written particularly for the 21st century, since so much of what we encounter every day seems designed to distract our consciousness and scatter it externally. Such distraction and scattering is in fact the very origin of suffering, because it leads us to become agitated and thereby to cling to one outcome or another. The whole process never gets started if we learn how to avoid or resist the distractions. Daily Practice Much of what distracts us and scatters our consciousness externally is the propensity for frivolous speech, both in the world around us and within ourselves. Is it asking too much to practice abstaining from unnecessary or unworthy speech at least once in a while? These days, learning to steer away from distraction and the scattering of our minds is a practice in itself, and we are likely to become less agitated if we are able to do it well. 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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