As with any dharma group, in person or online, please exercise the intention of Right Speech in your offerings to co-yogis, the teacher, and also yourself.
Before you speak, consider these five keys to right speech, from Vaca Sutta*:
- It is spoken at the right time.
- It is spoken in truth.
- It is spoken affectionately.
- It is spoken beneficially.
- It is spoken with a mind of good-will.
When engaging in peer meetings and sharing one-on-one please aim to:
- Practice mindful listening.
- Speak from the first person or your own experience.
- Refrain from offering advice.
- Be positive.
- Hold the other person in an unconditional warm regard.
There is much more to say about listening. It’s a deeply valuable offering and powerful part of Right Speech practice. Use your times of not speaking to deepen your attention and practice Right Listening.
This article offered by Tricycle provides further reflection on Right Speech.
Learn more about Right Speech on accesstoinsight.org.
*“Vaca Sutta: A Statement” (AN 5.198), translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. Access to Insight (BCBS Edition), 3 July 2010, http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an05/an05.198.than.html.