We have ability of communication and speech. We all like to speak to each other. Communication and speech are an essential part of our being and identity. We use speech to tell others of our emotions and feelings, give instructions, correct, comfort and console, give orders, pray, compose, express grievances and much more. We start speaking when we are a few months old and speak till we give up the body. Our written and spoken words outlive us. Speech is very important. Then how should we speak?
All religions teach ‘speak the truth’. The Vedas teach us to speak the truth and speak sweetly. Atharva Veda has a prayer which says –‘ May the tip of my tongue be sweet. May the centre of tongue be sweet. Oh Sweetness! You rest in my mind and worldly dealings’. We must pray to Divinity to give us sweetness of speech at all times.
Why are truth and sweetness in speech given so much importance? God is Truth and God is Love. God is also Vibration or Speech. From the Universal Vibration Aum – the Rishis of yore identified 50 syllables of the Sanskrit language. Grammar, words and speech are all Divine. We must use the Divine Instruments at our disposal in a befitting manner. Words are meant to communicate, console, comfort and give useful information which is true. We misuse speech in gossip, spreading hate and telling lies. We speak loosely of others and without a second thought and spoil their name and reputation. Such misuse of speech goes against the sanctity of the words and language. The hurt that is caused by words does not heal. It remains within and festers for a long time. The pain of injury and tear of body parts heal and even the scars disappear over time. But the scars of hateful words do not heal. Today mass communication and media are geared to reporting more of gossip and scandals than useful information or good news. The disease of ‘loose mouth diarrhoea’ has spread all over the world and people talk endlessly but gain nothing useful. The Ancient Rishis of India had Three Golden Rules of Speech. Let us see the following story:
There was an ashram outside a village where a very wise Rishi lived. The villagers used to visit him regularly and seek his counsel and advice and blessings for all the little things in their lives. Once a villager came to him and said: do you know what I have just heard about the headman’s wife?
The Rishi replied: before you tell me, I would like to ask you three questions. Answer them and then you can tell me what you heard.
The villager said: three questions? Why so?
The Rishi replied: these are three golden rules of speech. If what you say are as per these rules, then you may give the information to me. The first rule is Truth. Are you absolutely sure that you tell me is the Truth?
The villager said: no, I just heard it from my neighbour who heard it from his cousin...
The Rishi replied: So you do not know if it is really the truth. Let me apply the second rule. It is Good? The villager shook his head and said no.
The Rishi said: you want to tell me something that is not true and not good. There is still a chance if what you say passes the third rule. Is it useful? Is what you are going to tell me about the headman’s wife useful to me? The villager shook his head.
The Rishi concluded: if what you want to tell is not true, or good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?
We must apply the three golden rules before we speak – is it the true? Is it good? Is it useful? If these rules are not applicable, our talk will bring hurt and disharmony. It is better not to speak at all. We respect our body by taking care of it by refreshing bath, good hygiene, nutritious food and ample rest. We must respect our speech by following the three golden rules.
