Speech Like a Treasure

The Buddha understood the significance of speech, its power and its potential for good or ill. In his teaching on this the Buddha advises us to abstain from four unwholesome activities: lying, telling tales, harsh language and frivolous talk.

Lying - The Buddha instructs us to tell the truth, to avoid deception through speech, to be reliable and trustworthy. We should never lie for the advantage of ourselves or others. Our answers to questions should be plain and simple: called upon and asked as a witness to tell what he knows, he answers if he knows nothing, "I know nothing", and if he knows, he answers "I know".

Telling tales - Telling tales is an unwholesome activity that breeds discord and distrust. The Buddha instructs as follows: What he has heard here, he does not repeat there, so as to cause dissension there; and what he has heard there, he does not repeat here, so as to cause dissension here. What we should be interested in is promoting unity and taking delight in the harmony that can be fostered by appropriate speech.

Harsh language - We should according to Buddha's instructions, avoid harsh language. This is abusive and hateful language that is designed to hurt those who it is aimed at. In contrast he urged us to be gentle and polite in our speech, advising us to be friendly and full of sympathy . . . with heart full of love and free from any hidden malice.

Frivolous talk - Finally, the Buddha gives further recognition of the importance of using language in a wholesome and productive way. What we say should be of benefit to others and ourselves: He speaks at the right time, in accordance with facts, speaks what is useful. Speech, says the Buddha, should be like a treasure, uttered at the right moment . . . moderate and full of sense.

Like any other wholesome actions, Right Speech brings good results such as respect and trust. It is also a social cohesive, bringing unity and harmony between people.