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Questions tagged [right-speech]

Element of the eightfold path relating to ethical conduct in the context of the spoken word. Covers abstention from lying, abuse, divisive speech and idle chatter.

The definition

"And what is right speech? Abstaining from lying, from divisive speech, from abusive speech, & from idle chatter: This is called right speech."

— SN 45.8

Source: Access To Insight.

49 questions
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9 answers

Does downvoting an answer qualify as divisive and harsh speech?

In a comment to an answer on this site I saw this: To the folks who insist on downvoting, please note that downvoting is extremely unhelpful and actually qualifies as divisive and harsh speech. Do others agree? Does downvoting an answer…
user13375
10
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3 answers

How irony and sarcasm are seen in Buddhism?

How irony and sarcasm are seen in Buddhism? For example, are they considered wrong speech in all ocasions?
konrad01
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4 answers

Ignoring Someone as Wrongful Speech

I am in an odd situation. Someone I know, who was my friend, now seems to have developped feelings towards me. I wish to give her space, but we are in contact electronically and text. She is extremely distraught by this situation. I cannot help but…
user7302
2
votes
6 answers

A limit of right speech

At what point does the discussion of others become wrong speech? "Abandoning divisive speech he abstains from divisive speech. What he has heard here he does not tell there to break those people apart from these people here. What he has heard there…
Ilya Grushevskiy
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2
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5 answers

Is all lying considered to be 'unwholesome'?

Suppose I tell a lie in order to protect others or to protect myself; is it still considered to be 'unwholesome'? Or let's take the common example of a person who isn't really moral; is it okay to inform friends/colleagues of this aspects, or is it…
Val
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1
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2 answers

Harsh speech and insanity

I am often harsh, though I don't think hurtful, in speech about others, because of my schizophrenia and psychosis. I often believe they are up to no good and need to be stopped verbally from doing that. Can you advise on how best to work on that? I…
user19950
1
vote
2 answers

Is expressing annoyance bad karma?

Is there a phrase for speech which doesn't hurt someone's feelings, isn't gossip or malicious (meant to harm them in some way), but is in some sense still wrong speech? A sort of indignant speech? feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is…
user23322
1
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4 answers

Social Media and Right Speech

I seem to have a lot of consideration for others in person, but on social media -- where non-verbal cues are lacking -- I react more easily with irritation and impatience. Since such communication was not existent in the Buddha's time, I wonder:…
user7302
1
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1 answer

Question on Divisive Speech

Buddha said the following are unskillful verbal action : He engages in divisive speech. What he has heard here he tells there to break those people apart from these people here. What he has heard there he tells here to break these people apart from…
user68706
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2 answers

Venting and Right Speech

I'm wondering whether to lament or complain bitterly about some situation contradicts right speech. Also, I'm wondering from the Buddhist view what the effect of venting is. Personally, I noticed venting from a low mood / discouraged mood seems to…
user7302
-1
votes
1 answer

Does 'right speech' prohibit expressions which "hate" anything at all?

Does 'right speech' prohibit expressions which "hate" anything at all? So, not an individual, or even really a point of view, but to ex-press the sensation of intense (if not actually visceral) dislike?
user2512