When we practice Right Speech, the mindfulness we bring to our words creates harmony on four levels.
First, Right Speech creates social harmony. When we use thoughtful language, we bring harmony to our relationships. When people feel heard and affirmed, peacefulness grows. And as an added bonus, conflict decreases.
Second, we receive psychological harmony. When we use the four kinds of harmful speech- false speech, slander, harsh speech, and idle chatter- we not only hurt others, but ourselves as well. We know this, because we’re all too familiar with that feeling of guilt that comes after we say the wrong or unkind thing. That feeling lingers over us and can create frustration, shame, anger, and plenty of other unhelpful emotions. Right Speech protects our minds from the split caused by guilt when we use our words in a harmful way.
Third, karmic harmony happens. I know karma can be a confusing and misunderstood idea, even in Buddhist circles. What we want to understand about karma for our purposes today is the idea that our actions create other actions and reactions. When we speak mindfully, the ripple effects are beneficial. When we speak harmfully, the ripple effects can be devastating, and also long-lasting. It gives us a sense of soberness in our purpose to remember that what we do has a cosmic effect. Small gestures like words can travel far- for better and for worse. Choosing well gives us the joy of knowing that what we sent out is meant to be a blessing and a gift. That’s karmic harmony.
Lastly, practicing Right Speech brings us contemplative harmony. As we grow more aware of our inner world, and as we become more intentional with our language, we also purify our mind. We clear out what doesn’t need to be there. We loosen the grip on habits and patterns that may be creating negative results. Our minds become more clear when we move toward more mindful language.
I am grateful for these reflections from Bikkhu Bodhi because it helps us see the big picture. It gives us a WHY for why we practice Right Speech. It helps us see our words holistically. Which is important, because I don’t know about you, but this has been a humbling practice for me. Even though I don’t go around insulting people or lying about people, I feel so much more aware of how quickly and carelessly I sometimes choose my words. And sometimes, they are harmful. They are not skillful or harmonious. They don’t convey what I intend, or what the better version of me would intend. Remembering that we are working on this awareness for a reason, and that reason is harmony, feels worth the effort.
May your words this week create harmony. And may the times you find yourself off key be a gentle invitation for you to come back into the melody of mindfulness and compassion.
This post belongs to my series on practicing the Eightfold Path. You can read all my posts on Right Speech here.
