October 16, 2024
Venerable Wuling in Karma and Causality, Speech

A foolproof way 

to avoid bad speech karma.

One day, I awoke to discover that I had lost my voice. Panic quickly set in. But I soon realized a benefit to my newfound voiceless state. Since I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t say anything I would regret.

I couldn’t get myself into trouble! 

Buoyed by my newfound realization, I grabbed a pen and pad for when I needed to communicate with others. After my first written conversation, I concluded that it would be tough to disagree with someone if you couldn’t speak. Talking is quick and easy. Writing takes time! Blurting out a dissenting opinion is instantaneous. Having to write it down, you will soon conclude that an argument is just more trouble than it’s worth. 

How much easier to smile and get along with the other person.

Now, I admit that losing one’s voice is an extreme way of avoiding bad verbal karmas. But we don’t need to lose our voice to achieve the same result. We can just talk less. A lot less. And honestly, most of the talking we deem necessary is, in reality, pretty much unnecessary.

Article originally appeared on a buddhist perspective (http://www.abuddhistperspective.org/).
See website for complete article licensing information.