Wednesday, January 22, 2025

via fb


 

via fb


 

via fb


 

via fb


 

via fb


 

via fb


 

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)

Such speech as you know to be true and correct but unbeneficial and which is also unwelcome and disagreeable to others—do not utter such speech. (MN 58)
Reflection
Even if something is true, that does not mean that it should always be said. The important point is whether or not it will be beneficial to speak. If a person is set in their views and what you say is unlikely to make a difference, then it is better to remain silent—all the more so if what you say would cause distress for the other person. But if by speaking up there is a good chance of helping them see more clearly, then go ahead and speak.

Daily Practice
Every Wednesday we give careful attention to the quality of our speech. Take on the practice of training yourself to become ever more aware of the truthfulness of what you say and ever more careful not to say something misleading or false. It can seem harmless to stretch the truth in small ways, but all speech is on a continuum from wrong speech to right speech, and discerning this  becomes subtler as you become more skillful.

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

Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media
#DhammaWheel

Questions?
Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.



Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning.

© 2025 Tricycle Foundation
89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Via Daily Dharma: Unqualified Plenitude

 

Support Tricycle with a donation »
Unqualified Plenitude

Enlightenment is the recognition of the unqualified plenitude of every moment and situation, of the immaculate suchness of all things, just as they are.

David L. Barnhill, “A Giant Act of Love: Reflections on the First Precept”


CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE


Healing from Helene
By Haley Barker
Read about how Buddhist centers in western North Carolina have responded to disaster.
Read more »