RIGHT SPEECH

CULTIVATION

BUDDHIST NOBLE EIGHT FOLD PATH

Right speech is about is about being conscious and aware of what we are saying and doing. Morality is not about being judgmental or making us feel unnecessarily guilty. It is about learning how to assess ourselves honestly and being humble when we see we are not perfect, rather than feeling depressed or inadequate. Right speech includes everything we say. We might think perhaps that speech is not as important as an action but speech – and its development, the written word – can have a big impact, leading to either good or bad consequences. Our modern age has a tremendous capacity and range of verbal expression, so it is more important than ever that we practice right speech. Right speech has four elements. The first is abstaining from false speech, or lying, and cultivating truthful speech. Always being truthful helps accord with the reality and dispels illusion. The second is abstaining from harsh speech, shouting insulting, or being sarcastic, and cultivating courteous, friendly speech. This relies on patience an tolerance. The fourth is abstaining from idle chatter, including television, radio, and newspapers, and cultivating speech that is important and valuable. This is supported by mindfulness – not letting our attention be distracted by sensationalism.


quote by BUDDHA