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Mindfulness and Right Speech: A Spiritual Journey

Thich Nhat Hanh · July 17, 2001 · Plum Village, France
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Practicing the Fourth Mindfulness Training in Plum Village is to learn in parallel both right speech and deep listening—speaking loving speech without blaming, condemning, or punishing, while at the same time listening with compassion (compassionate listening) in order to open channels of communication and reduce suffering. Right speech is not only about telling the truth, but also about preparing the truth gently for the listener, skillfully using skillful means (Upāya Kauśalya) to adjust the “dosage” of information so that they can receive it step by step in peace. To listen deeply, the practitioner needs the energy of compassion, patience, and not interrupting, so that the other person can express themselves freely, feel relieved, and open up the possibility of transformation.

Applied in daily life, just a gentle word or a pair of empathetic ears can sow hope and peace. A typical example is a Catholic woman who, after listening to a Dharma talk on deep listening and loving speech and attending a six-day retreat, was able to transform herself and her husband, restoring true communication in her family. Each day, we make the determination to bring joy to at least one person, to use our two eyes to look with love, our two ears to listen with compassion, and our two hands ready to help—this is how the practice of the Fourth Mindfulness Training brings happiness to ourselves and our community.

  • The core elements of the Fourth Mindfulness Training:
    1. speaking loving speech with mindfulness and compassion
    2. listening (deep listening) with compassion, patience, and non-judgment
    3. using skillful means to communicate the truth step by step, helping others to have peace and understanding
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