The Eightfold Noble Path: Right Speech




The Jay Forrest Show show

Summary: In this episode I begin a series on the Eightfold Noble Path with Right Speech. Right Speech is appropriate speech, skillful speech, wise speech, it is speech that is in sync with reality as it really is. Right Speech is the first aspect in the first of what is called the Three Trainings The First Training is in Ethical Conduct, the Second is in Concentration, and the Third is in Wisdom. You will notice that the traditional ordering of the Eightfold Noble Path begins with training in ethical conduct. This is because if you are not living right you will not be able to concentrate, you will not be able to quite the mind and focus. Like in many spiritual traditions, spiritual and mental purification is the beginning step of the journey. Ethical conduct is also the easiest to immediately put into practice and it really does help you improve your life and prepare you for meditation. Right Speech is important. The words we speak say more about what’s in our heart and mind then we may know. The words you speak are a very sure guide to your spiritual condition. Your words locate you. Not only do words reveal what’s really inside, they also effect us. Not only are our words the expression of our thoughts, words also shape our thoughts. In a limited way we become what we say, because we tend to believe what we say. What we say does effect us. It can shape our thoughts and influence our beliefs. That is why we need to be careful what we say because it can influence what we think. So what is not Right Speech? The Buddhist Scriptures teach us what Right Speech is, by teaching us what Right Speech isn’t. The Samyutta Nikaya says, “And what, bhikkhus, is right speech? Abstinence from false speech, abstinence from divisive speech, abstinence from harsh speech, abstinence from idle chatter: this is called right speech.” (SN 45:8). Notice the four things Right Speech is not. It is not false, divisive, harsh, or idle. I then examine each of these much closer. Where should you begin practicing Right Speech? I suggest that people begin with Noble Silence. Noble Silence is silence for the sake of establishing mindfulness of speaking. Begin with a day of silence, then expand from there. Keeping silent for a complete day may prove to be a real eye opener. That means no Facebook, Twitter, Phone calls or Texting. Just spend the day in solitude and silence. Try it and see what happens. Research Links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_Eightfold_Path http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html Voicemail Feedback Line Your feedback is important, please call 505-750-3121 and leave a voice message to be played on the show. Music Credits The Power Of Words by Rasmax Podcast Survey You can help me better serve you and let me know a little more about you. Please fill out the survey over at the Blubrry Network, the link is: http://www.blubrry.com/jayforrestshow/survey/ Jay Forrest Show Resources My Blog - Read the latest from my personal Blog Beliefs - What are the basic beliefs of Buddhism. About - Who is Jay Forrest? Contact - Contact information including email and phone number. Bookstore - A list of some of the best Buddhist books. Shop - Buy a T-Shirt or Mug and show your support. Privacy Policy - Read our Privacy Policy Subscribe to the Podcast Make sure you never miss an episode of the Jay Forrest Show by subscribing to the podcast. For complete instructions click here.