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Buddha, did you hear about....?

VastmindVastmind Memphis, TN Veteran
edited December 2011 in Buddhism Basics
“If you propose to speak, always ask yourself, is it true, is it necessary, is it kind” –Buddha

"Gossip is idle talk or rumour told by someone that was not there or did not see it happen, especially about the personal or private affairs of others, It is one of the oldest and most common means of sharing facts and views, but also has a reputation for the introduction of errors and variations into the information transmitted. " Wiki

How do you practice mindfull speech?
What are your tactics for speaking truthfully?


Comments

  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    My tactics on speaking truthfully is to simply tell the truth. It's not complicated. As far as gossip talking about another person to put that person down is negative.

    In Buddhism kindness is defined as the wish for other beings to be happy. So if the intention is to let another being be happy then it fits that stipulation. I would assume kindness is a stand in for all of the aprimanas: love (karuna), sympathetic joy, and equanimity.

    There is a forth quality that Buddha also mentioned and that is timeliness. So if you speak to someone you wait until they are receptive if possible.

    Mostly we are all not perfect but if you are sincere and try your best at the end of the day your mistakes will be precious treasures that you learn from.
  • BarraBarra soto zennie wandering in a cloud in beautiful, bucolic Victoria BC, on the wacky left coast of Canada Veteran
    I started giving thought to what it is that is motivating me to speak. I was surprised at how often it was less about contributing to the conversation, and more about showing off my point of view. Taking on this practice made me more of a listener.
    I've also made an effort to stop idle talk about others. Its amazing how often casual conversation involves slagging other people. I'm not saying that I never say anything negative about others, but I make an effort not to leave negative impressions about people who are not present.
  • Bodha8Bodha8 Veteran
    I started giving thought to what it is that is motivating me to speak. I was surprised at how often it was less about contributing to the conversation, and more about showing off my point of view. Taking on this practice made me more of a listener.
    I've also made an effort to stop idle talk about others. Its amazing how often casual conversation involves slagging other people. I'm not saying that I never say anything negative about others, but I make an effort not to leave negative impressions about people who are not present.
    Excellent, Nuff said

    With Metta
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    Moved from 'Modern Buddhism'.
  • HubrisHubris
    “If you propose to speak, always ask yourself, is it true, is it necessary, is it kind” –Buddha

    "Gossip is idle talk or rumour told by someone that was not there or did not see it happen, especially about the personal or private affairs of others, It is one of the oldest and most common means of sharing facts and views, but also has a reputation for the introduction of errors and variations into the information transmitted. " Wiki

    How do you practice mindfull speech?
    What are your tactics for speaking truthfully?


    Truth,necessity, and kindness are subjective. Gossip is bad news all the way around.

    I am interested to hear what others consider "mindful speech".

    As far as speaking truthfully, my view is that you should be direct, if it is of any importance, since "beating around the bush" is often misconstrued. Since kindness is subjective it has to be taken on a case-by-case basis.

    To wit, a leading question (one which the person already knows the answer, but expects a lie). "Does this dress make me look fat?" The possibilities are endless.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    ....'no', is the honest answer.
  • AMHAMH
    ....'no', is the honest answer.
    I have also heard (often in advice to women) that no is a complete sentence.
  • driedleafdriedleaf Veteran
    When we are gossiping or using false speech for our own benefit we are really not being compassionate. What is the purpose of being compassionate and what role does it play in Buddhism? We want to be compassionate because we are practicing giving and non-attachment [because we believe in karma(what goes around comes around)]. When we are not being compassionate, we put ourselves at risk of the same non-compassionate karma. Compassion is important in Buddhism because it is a quality that is rare, and is a quality that is found in a mind that is pure.
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