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Episode 198 - The Five Gatekeepers of Speech

Release Date: 09/24/2024

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

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Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

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Episode 198 - The Five Gatekeepers of Speech

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

The Buddha, in his gentle wisdom, offered us a path to mindful speech through what he called "The Five Gatekeepers of Speech." These gatekeepers stand like sentinels, reminding us to pause before we speak. We ask ourselves: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it beneficial? Is it necessary? Is it the right time? Our speech, whether it lands on another's heart or drifts unnoticed through the air, always leaves its karmic mark on us. If we are kind to others with our speech, we create causes for our own happiness. When we are unkind to others, we create suffering for ourselves. Words are the most...

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Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

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Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

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Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

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Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

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Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

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Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

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Important Announcement

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

Virtual Classes with JoAnn Fox start this Saturday, March 2nd! You can enroll any time! What: An ongoing study program to practice the entire path of Buddhism. Join us at any point! When: Saturdays 10 am EST Why: People often have to study Buddhism in a piecemeal fashion. JoAnn participated in a virtual teacher training program for over ten years that presented the whole path of Buddhism. This systematic approach makes the path very clear. It makes it much easier to practice and creates deeper inner change. JoAnn wants others to have the...

More Episodes

Is it true?

Is it kind?

Is it beneficial?

Is it necessary?

Is it the right time?

Our speech, whether it lands on another's heart or drifts unnoticed through the air, always leaves its karmic mark on us. If we are kind to others with our speech, we create causes for our own happiness. When we are unkind to others, we create suffering for ourselves.

Words are the most powerful tool we carry, shaping not only the world around us but also the spirit within us. With every sentence, we build up or break down—not just others but ourselves. This power is so profound because we wield it constantly. Each time we speak, we either sow seeds of healing or harm. And those words linger. Even when forgotten by others, their echoes remain within us, shaping our character--shaping our future.

Beautiful speech

Beautiful mind

Beautiful world

The Buddha taught us to tend to our speech mindfully, as one would a garden. The mind, planted with our words, will grow the fruits we eventually consume. So, let us speak with intention, knowing that every word has the power to uplift or diminish, and in the end, each of us must live among the gardens we plant.

Whoever speaks

What is true, informative, and not harsh,

Who gives offense to no one,

I call a brahmin.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada (Verse 408)

The Five Gatekeepers of Speech

Buddha taught that we should check that our speech passes through these five gates before we speak:

Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it beneficial?
Is it necessary?
Is it the right time?

The Four Downfalls of Speech

Lying

Divisive speech

Harsh speech

Idle gossip

References and Links

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011.

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