To Speak As Buddha Taught

I was in two minds as to whether or not to post this quote. The sentiments are a tad unfashionable perhaps given the current climate in the world. But listen: She is a speaker whose words are to be treasured, seasonable, reasoned, well-defined and connected with the goal. And speaking words which are pleasing to the ear. Who would not aspire to speak thus?

Abandoning false speech, the ascetic Gotama dwells refraining from false speech, a truth-speaker, one to be relied on, trustworthy, dependable, not a deceiver of the world. Abandoning malicious speech, she does not repeat there what he has heard here to the detriment of these, or repeat here what he has heard there to the detriment of those. Thus she is a reconciler of those at variance and an encourager of those at one, rejoicing in peace, loving it, delighting in it, one who speaks up for peace. Abandoning harsh speech, he refrains from it. She speaks whatever is blameless, pleasing to the ear, agreeable, reaching the heart, urbane, pleasing and attractive to the multitude. Abandoning idle chatter, he speaks at the right time, what is correct and to the point, of Dhamma and discipline. He is a speaker whose words are to be treasured, seasonable, reasoned, well-defined and connected with the goal.
Taken from the original Pali Brahmajala Sutta

With thanks to the Reverend who dug out this gem from the deep well of the internet. I’ve changed some he’s to she’s in the text just to mix things up a bit.

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3 thoughts on “To Speak As Buddha Taught”

  1. Unfashionable it may be but a soothing balm to those who are prepared to listen.

    It is all to easy to get caught up in vituperative speech. There’s always a stong temptation to put one’s awl in with “unexpected outcomes” which seems to be the media buzzword just now.

    __/\__
    Norman

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