Buddhist Practice: Day 4 - Right Speech (Special Episode & Series)

Day 4:    Right Speech

"Use no harsh words, it is painful. More harsh words

will follow with retaliatory action." ~ The Buddha (Dhammapada 133)

While we think of right action as being central, right speech is also important as it is wholesome verbal karma. We have all heard the adage of “words that cut like a knife”, and the affects one hurtful/bad, or genuinely good, word can have on someone.

Everyone is facing a variety of feelings, emotions, and reactions to the pandemic, including yourself. Right speech is important to start practicing on this day as it will help impact your right actions in a wholesome way. But do not stop just with other people you do not know, extend this to those you work with, family and friends, and even yourself!

Focus

Be mindful of what you say to others. You may want to pause before you speak, to consider if your words are   right speech. Most people will not   even notice you are pausing!

The   four kinds of right speech are: 1) Words of   Truth – true, honest, and not duplicitous, 2) Words of Compassion  – kind and give others confidence, 3) Words of Praise – encourages   others and brings them joy, and 4) Words of Altruism- words that show   caring and benefit for others.

Practice

Continue to recite the Five Remembrances.

Continue   to Meditate,   at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath. For today think of what you have said   throughout the day. Did you practice right   speech, or wrong speech? Did they fall   within any of the four kinds of right speech, or were they harmful? This is not something to beat yourself up   over, but instead to recognize and be determined not to repeat again.

New   Practice: Pause before speaking, and consider what   would the Buddha say? Of course, you   will be in different environments and situations that require a specific   response (such as at work), but can you phrase what you say in a way that   practices the four kinds of right speech? You likely can. When you are   encountering grocery store clerks, doctors and nurses, repair persons, etc.,   you can easily share words of truth, compassion, praise, and altruism! For example, “Thank you for being so kind   and helpful today! I recognize it is exceedingly   difficult right now, and I appreciate you helping me and others. Have a great day!”

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