Four things to avoid
Do not lie; do not speak to divide; do not use harsh, malicious words; do not engage in pointless talk in ways that nurture heedlessness or cause harm. This is the foundation for making speech a place of practice.
The Noble Eightfold Path
What Is Right Speech? Speaking Truthfully, Kindly, and at the Right Time
Pāli: sammā vācā · Sanskrit: samyag vāc · Vietnamese: Chánh ngữ
Right speech is speech aligned with the Noble Eightfold Path: truthful, beneficial, timely, and spoken with a non-harming mind. In basic presentations, practitioners avoid lying, divisive speech, harsh speech, and harmful idle talk. Right speech does not mean remaining silent in the face of injustice or saying pleasant things at any cost. Sometimes the truth needs to be stated clearly, yet it can still be spoken responsibly, without aiming to humiliate or incite anger. In modern life, right speech also includes messages, comments, sharing unverified information, and how we speak to ourselves. Practice begins before opening the mouth: looking at intention, considering impact, and choosing words that cause less suffering.
A guide by Inti Foundation · updated
Telling the truth does not mean causing pain
A true statement can be spoken with anger or compassion. Right speech maintains both truth and the quality of mind while speaking, especially during disagreement.
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Practice today
- 1.Before sending a difficult message, pause for three breaths and revisit your intention.
- 2.Ask four questions: are these words true, useful, timely, and kind enough?
- 3.Spend one day without forwarding unverified information or words that could create division.
Frequently asked questions
Does right speech always mean speaking softly?
Not necessarily. Sometimes we need to state the truth clearly and set boundaries, but without anger or humiliation as the motive.
Is silence right speech?
Silence can be appropriate if it reduces harm, but it can also be an avoidance of responsibility. Context and impact need to be considered.
What is right speech on social media?
It means not spreading false information, not inciting division, not using harsh, malicious language, and examining your intention before commenting or sharing.
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Sources for deeper reading
SN 56.11 — Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion
The source discourse in the Inti library presents the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes right speech.