Virtuous Speech

a story (lesson) drawn from the teachings of Dr. TRK

One day a wise and noble teacher was explaining the importance of virtuous speech. He said to his students:

"Those who have mastery over their speech are considered to be cultured and noble people. They fill their communication with wisdom and love.

Wise people want to remove their own faults and help others do the same. With great compassion and understanding they say what needs to be said for the other's benefit---that which is in the best interest of the one to whom they are speaking.

People who have virtuous speech bypass any negative emotions and feelings when they give advice. They speak the truth lovingly and thoughtfully, devoid of egoism. These noble people are gracious and share wisdom ungrudgingly, with vastheartedness. It is a virtuous and noble quality to speak from the highest level of consciousness."

The teacher's words deeply inspired the students. They yearned to learn how to improve their own communication skills and humbly asked their teacher, "Please tell us more. What can we do to gain mastery over speech in our daily interactions?"

The teacher continued to explain:

"Your speech should be unbiased, filled with care and dispassion. You should speak unbending truth, but speak it with love. Speak to remove doubt, but do it with total awareness and an open mind.

Timing and delivery are of utmost importance. Talk only what is necessary, and at an appropriate time. Make your speech patterns, demeanor, and vibrations free of negativity. Your delivery should have no undercurrent of arrogance, hostility, or jealousy.

When speaking the truth, never speak out of annoyance. Also, avoid speaking with curtness, coldness, or hardheartedness. Your speech shouldn't annoy others, or make them nervous or uncomfortable. Although what you are saying may be true, do not become a tyrant about expressing your point of view.

Never use undesireable language or pass underhanded remarks. Do not be sarcastic, because sarcasm is a quality of ego. Remarks made with cruelty, jealousy, animosity, violence, or malice are like an arrow which goes into the heart of another person's soul.

You don't need to prove a point when you are speaking with others. For example, there is no need to get into a debate just to annoy someone or have the last word. Simply speak the truth.

When you want to make a point for the benefit of others, be totally objective and stay out of subjective feelings and emotions. Neither speak the truth harshly, nor speak a lie to please anyone. Deliver the truth to others without disturbing your peace of mind, and without disturbing their peace of mind. Hearing the truth may disturb some people, but their disturbance should not be caused by your delivery.

Say the truth undauntedly, yet kindly, and explain that what you are saying is for their benefit. But if they still don't like hearing the truth and react, don't be afraid. Neither you should lose couarge, nor let them lose heart. Stay totally dispassionate.

Truth which is spoken with an undisturbed mind and pure motives is energetic and penetrating. Let the truth hit where it hits.

If you really want to make a positive impression on others, you need to give wisdom and explain it with love. Remain totally focused and use kind words in abundance. It is not just a matter of courtesy. It is a matter of heart, a truly compassionate heart. Having mastery of speech filled with wisdom is the sign of saintly people."

Gratefulness filled the hearts of the students. They began to practice their teacher's advice right away. They soon found that internalizing his wisdom brought peace, harmony, and understanding into their lives.