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 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. It is a trifle that you will be troubled compared with the value of helping establish them in what is healthy. (MN 103)

Reflection The guideline to refrain from frivolous speech is a recommendation that we take seriously what we say and say what is meaningful with a sense of purpose and care. It does not mean everything we say has to be profound, just carefully considered. Here we also have guidance for when to speak up and when not to. If we can help someone and make a difference by speaking out, then the fact that it is troublesome is a trifle. Daily Practice As you practice considering carefully the way you speak, the suggestion to "not hurry to reprove" someone who does or says something offensive but rather to "consider whether or not to speak" is an important suggestion. This moment of pause and reflection is itself a powerful practice in daily life and should be followed at every opportunity. Try speaking up only when you really can help a person or situation and not simply from habit or reflex. 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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Day 13 If you're not yet subscribed to Tricycle, subscribe here » PRACTICE PROMPT Look for the looker.   Notice that everything you usually take yourself to be is an object that can be observed. You can describe your body, your feelings, your thoughts, and your memories. If they can be known, they cannot be your true self, because their very existence implies a subject that knows them. What is it that knows? Where is it? Look gently but directly. Related Content Hold to the Center! Exploring Zen’s Three Tenets, Roshi Wendy Egyoku Nakao explains how not-knowing—in addition to bearing witness and taking action—can help us stay centered. Read more » Nothing Is Outside of Awareness In an excerpt from his online course with Tricycle, Haemin Sunim offers some simple questions to better grasp the meaning of “form and emptiness.”   Read more » Follow Us Meditation Month is a free offering. Consider supporting it with a donation today.   Donate » © 2026 Tricycle Foundation 89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

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A Reason to Meditate Buddhist ethics are based on an intuitive sense that is difficult to come by. This is one of the reasons we meditate. Brad Warner, “Zen Is Not a Democracy” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

What We’re Listening To By the Editors Expand your Buddhist practice with two podcasts, a dharma talk, and a documentary. Read more » Tricycle Meditation Month 2026 Awakening with Zen Koans with Haemin Sunim Start the new year exploring your true nature through Zen koan meditation with Tricycle’s free 31-day Meditation Month. When you sign up, you’ll get weekly video teachings, daily meditation prompts, and access to an online sangha for community support. Join today to start from day one.  Join now » Follow Us Forward today's wisdom to a friend »

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