Episode 142 - Mindful Speech

<p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the Buddha explained the ten nonvirtuous actions to abandon, four are devoted to our speech. Our words are an incredibly powerful tool; they can build ourselves and others up. Or they can tear ourselves and others down. In a sentence they can destroy a relationship, friendship, or employment; such is the power of our speech. In fact, a mindfulness practice of purifying our speech is one that can change our lives completely. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The Four Nonvirtous Action of Speech</strong></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Lying</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Divisive speech</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Harsh speech </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Idle chatter </span></li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><strong>5 Factors of Right Speech:</strong></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Is it true?</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Is it beneficial? </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Is it kind?</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Is it spoken with a mind of good will?</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Is is the right time?</span></li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><strong>The karmic results of the 4 Nonvirtuous actions of speech which are similar to the cause, explained by Je Tsongkhapa:</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">[as a result of lying] others would slander you a great deal, and they would deceive you; </span></li> </ul> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">[as a result of d