Speech is such a powerful influence in our lives because we speak a lot.
Speech conditions our relationships, conditions our minds and hearts, and
to a great degree conditions consequences in the future.
The Buddha outlined a practice for staying mindful
of how another person is addressing us, without getting caught up in our own reactivity,
remaining compassionate for their welfare, with a mind of lovingkindness.
... there are five courses of speech that others may
... there are five courses of speech that others may
use when they address you: their speech may be timely or
untimely, true or untrue, gentle or harsh, connected with
good or with harm, spoken with a mind of lovingkindness
or with inner hate....
you should train yourselves thus:
Our minds will remain unaffected, and we shall utter no
evil words; we shall abide compassionate for their welfare,
with a mind of lovingkindness...
One speaks at the right time, in accordance with facts,
speaks what is useful,,,
~ Buddha
from Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening
by Joseph Goldstein
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