Right Speech

Speaking the truth should be a simple matter but it is not. Preserving relationships and feelings does not always feel possible while being completely honest. Best intentions or not, our speech, if not properly respected and carefully delivered, can be a source of major suffering within and without.

Words resonate long after they are spoken and live on after we die. Our words affect thoughts and actions of not only ourselves but those who are exposed to them. Carelessness with what we share is irresponsible and is the cause of much evil and suffering in the world.

As the provincial election draws near, I am feeling bombarded by all the propaganda being disseminated through the press and on social media. At the worst, some of the candidates are idiots and do not understand arithmetic and science. At the best, those same candidates are just self-serving liars. Regardless, I find myself more frustrated and appalled by the people who are choosing to remain ignorant of the obvious and vote for those candidates anyway.

The world would be infinitely better if we all educated ourselves, making us impervious to the lies and deception that prevail in every political campaign and self-serving agendas.

 “Sometimes we speak clumsily and create internal knots in others. Then we say, “I was just telling the truth.” It may be the truth, but if our way of speaking causes unnecessary suffering, it is not Right Speech. The truth must be presented in ways that others can accept. Words that damage or destroy are not Right Speech. Before you speak, understand the person you are speaking to. Consider each word carefully before you say anything, so that your speech is “Right” in both form and content.” - Thich Nhat Hanh (b. 1926)