Mindfulness Of Speech

This podcast explores mindful speech as  a rich domain of practice. The invitation is not only to practice awareness of what we say and how we say it; but at a deeper level we can begin to notice the impulse, the driving force that propels us into speech and how our state of mind and our energy are affected before, during, and after speaking. This practice shifts the precepts from being a standard used to modify our behavior to a way of working with our state of mind, the source of all speech.

"At first, precepts [ethics] are a practice.  Then they become a necessity, and finally they become a joy.  When our heart is awakened they spontaneously illuminate our way in the world.  This is called Shining Virtue.  The light around someone who speaks truth, who consistently acts with compassion for all, even in great difficulty, is visible to all around them". Jack Kornfield

 In his commentary on kind speech, Dogen (Zen Buddhist tradition) wrote, "‘Kind speech’ means that when you see sentient beings you arouse the mind of compassion and offer words of loving care. It is contrary to cruel or violent speech.... You should be willing to practice it for this entire present life; do not give up, world after world, life after life. Kind speech is the basis for reconciling rulers and subduing enemies. ...You should know that kind speech arises from a kind mind, and kind mind from the seed of a compassionate mind.... kind speech is not just praising the merit of others; it has the power to turn the destiny of the nation."

The podcast includes guided meditation, group sharing and a Dharma talk on skillful speech.

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