In Buddhist philosophy, Right Speech is the third element of the Eightfold Path, which is closely related to personal moral cultivation and social interaction. Right Speech emphasizes the correct use of speech to promote truth, harmony, and the well-being of others. Through correct speech and behavior, practitioners can avoid causing pain to others and move forward on the path of self-cultivation.
Four basic aspects of Right Speech:
Avoid False Speech: Do not lie or say things that are not true. This includes avoiding deceiving, misleading or needlessly misleading others. Authenticity is the foundation upon which trust and respect are built.
Avoid Bad Words: Don’t say anything vulgar, hurtful, or malicious. This involves avoiding verbal insults, name-calling, or any words that may cause pain to others.
Avoid Double-talk: Don’t sow discord or spread rumors between different groups of people. This requires practitioners to be consistent and honest in their communications to avoid causing rifts in social relationships.
Avoid Gossip: Do not engage in meaningless or unhelpful small talk. This includes not only avoiding boring or irrelevant conversations, but also avoiding spreading unsubstantiated news or speaking irresponsibly.
