Speak only the speech that neither torments self nor does harm to others. That speech is truly well spoken. Speak only endearing speech, speech that is welcomed. Speech that brings no evil to others is pleasant.

The wise one cautioned that our speech are like throwing out water. Once done, it cannot be retracted.

Here’s a list of speech to avoid for Buddhist practitioners.

Words of despair

When things are not working out, encouragement is better than despair. Team members who poison the vibes with words of despair brings down the overall morale. It is easy to let out words of despair when not mindful.

Words of anger

Angry words are verbal violence. Swear words invoke negative mental reaction in people. When angry, it is better to take a deep breathe and hold our words. If speech is like throwing out water, then angry speech is like boiling water. It will burn others and ourselves.

Words of resent

Spoken out of dissatisfaction and discontent. We complain about our environment, our love one and our surroundings. We may not mean it to hurt but once spoken, the listener may still be emotionally affected.

Spiteful criticism 

Some people are frivolous in speech and hone their skill to insult others. Hitting another person verbally is like cutting their ego. Badmouthing others behind their back is like assassination. It harms others and creates new enemy.

Boastful speech

While it is good to be confident, boasting is another matter altogether. A hero is born out of respect earned and not from tall tales spun. In Buddhism, one of the major moral downfall is to boast about psychic ability.

False speech

The person who lies, who transgress in this one thing, transcending concern for the world beyond: there’s no evil he might not do.

In Buddhism the practice of upholding the truth is important. Half truths and lies just spread ignorance and harm in the world. Fake news is bad.

Confidential and secrets

The ability to hold secrets and not divulge them, reflects our ability to exercise restraint. Other’s personal life and private affairs should not be treated as entertainment fodder. Gaining popularity by sacrificing another’s secret is mean and generate bad karma.

Divisive speech

Speech that are aim to create schism and disharmony between people. Speech that incite hatred in others. In Buddhism this type of speech carries heavy bad karma! Simply because one is planting hatred and discord in other’s mind.

It is said that practitioners of mantra and chanting has to guard their speech so that any their vocal carries the power of truth, love and compassion.

So chanters, let us strengthen our chants by guarding our speech, promoting wisdom and love in society.