I live by right speech: "Right Speech Abstinence from False Speech
Do not knowingly say what is not true. But note that this does not mean you have to tell people everything. The Buddha said that whatever we say should pass three tests at a minimum, and often a fourth: Is it true? Is it useful? Is it timely? (And the fourth: Is it welcome?)
Abstinence from Malicious SpeechThis links to the intention of non-ill will. Malice has to do with intention, but those intentions are often unconscious or fleeting. If you are about to say something but you’re getting a funny feeling, you probably shouldn’t say it.
Abstinence from Harsh Speech“Harsh” is a matter of both content and tone. Sometimes the best course is to say something that is true, useful, and timely – even if not welcome – and the art is to say it in a clean way. Imagine a video camera is recording you and will be played back later; act in such a way that you will not squirm but will feel at peace with what you see. Or try out what you might say (or write) with others and get their feedback about harshness, including some that might just be leaking through in spite of your filters.
Abstinence from Idle ChatterThis probably originated as an admonition to monks and nuns, but it is also worth considering in householder life. How much of the time are we jabbering away to no good purpose – not even our own well-being – wasting time and energy, consuming the attention of others, avoiding what’s really important?
Extending these Standards to ThoughtMuch thought is internal speech: the verbal processes of the mind. Consider abstaining from false, malicious, harsh, or idle thinking!"
I live by all of the other words of this article: "https://www.rickhanson.net/the-noble-eightfold-path/.)
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