Thu Apr 2, 2020, 08:21 AM

vlyons (7,662 posts)

Right speech is one of virtues that we Buddhist try to practice.

Right speech is one of the steps on the Buddhist 8-Fold Path to enlightenment. Right speech includes speaking gently, purposely, and truthfully. It means no lying, no harsh speech, no divisive speech, and no gossip or idle chatter.

“Lying leads to a life in which others will speak ill of you. Lying also establishes a tendency to lie in future lives, as well as the chances of being lied to and not being believed when you speak the truth. The future life consequences of Divisive Speech include loneliness and a tendency to make mischief with other people’s lives. Harsh Speech begets the abuse of others and leads to an angry attitude. Idle Gossip causes others not to listen and leads one to speak incessantly."

-- HH The Dalai Lama

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7 replies	Author	Time	Post
Right speech is one of virtues that we Buddhist try to practice. (Original post)	vlyons	Apr 2020	OP
Tao Te Ching	safeinOhio	Apr 2020	#1
No harsh words are very difficult in this time of WH lying each and every day	Ferrets are Cool	Apr 2020	#2
+1	SheltieLover	Apr 2020	#5
I try my best to follow the path, however it's hard at times.	Butterflylady	Apr 2020	#3
The very concept of "right" implies there is "wrong" which is entirely judgemental	lindysalsagal	Apr 2020	#4
I have heard of this practice referred to as the three sieve test, in a story about Socrates.	c-rational	Apr 2020	#6
Beautiful. I've tried to follow this idea all my life.	defacto7	Apr 2020	#7

Response to vlyons (Original post)

Thu Apr 2, 2020, 08:30 AM

safeinOhio (21,809 posts)

1. Tao Te Ching

“Peace and quiet govern the world”.

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Response to vlyons (Original post)

Thu Apr 2, 2020, 08:40 AM

Ferrets are Cool (12,423 posts)

2. No harsh words are very difficult in this time of WH lying each and every day

The Buddhist philosophy is such a great one to follow. IMO

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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Reply #2)

Thu Apr 2, 2020, 09:22 AM

SheltieLover (17,380 posts)

5. +1

K&R

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Response to vlyons (Original post)

Thu Apr 2, 2020, 08:53 AM

Butterflylady (2,043 posts)

3. I try my best to follow the path, however it's hard at times.

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Response to vlyons (Original post)

Thu Apr 2, 2020, 09:15 AM

lindysalsagal (14,165 posts)

4. The very concept of "right" implies there is "wrong" which is entirely judgemental

which is what the buddhists claim they're eschewing.

It's all the same hypocrisy, with a less dangerous outcome and a divine slant.

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Response to vlyons (Original post)

Thu Apr 2, 2020, 09:27 AM

c-rational (1,467 posts)

6. I have heard of this practice referred to as the three sieve test, in a story about Socrates.

He was approached by a friend who wanted to tell him some news, and Socrates said does it pass the three sieve test.

First, is it truthful.
Second, is it good, i.e. beneficial.
And last, is it necessary.

If it does not pass this three sieve test, do not speak.

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Response to vlyons (Original post)

Thu Apr 2, 2020, 09:50 AM

defacto7 (13,485 posts)

7. Beautiful. I've tried to follow this idea all my life.

It's a philosophy my father taught me from childhood. I'm somewhat successful, occasionally not but never discouraged because its value in life here and now is clearly evident. Maybe I'm more Buddhist than I thought.

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