The Wisdom of Speaking Less

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on January 2, 2022.

The Power of Quiet Action

It is far better to speak less and focus your energy on doing more. When you speak too much, your mind becomes cluttered with excessive thoughts, which inevitably leads to more mistakes. It is much better to speak less and keep your thoughts focused. It is even better to speak very little and focus entirely on chanting Namo Amituofo. Ultimately, the most profound state is to speak not at all, to have no wandering thoughts, and to keep the Buddha-name flowing continuously within your heart.

Avoiding the Traps of Conflict

There is no need to speak in anger. When you engage in verbal disputes, you only invite your karmic creditors to manifest. If you open your eyes to the truth, you will naturally see things as they are. What is the true reality of the world? You can know it through the laws of karma and cause and effect. Goodness and retribution follow us at every moment; the Truth is precise and does not miss a single detail.

Purifying Body, Speech, and Mind

If you have created negative causes, you will surely experience the suffering of confusion and hardship. When your Body, Speech, and Mind manifest their karmic effects, you must reflect deeply on your progress:

• Is your personality still the same as it was before?
• Are you still prone to the same old habits?
• Are you truly vigilant against repeating past mistakes?

Guarding your speech by speaking less is a vital part of your practice. By maintaining this discipline, you protect your heart and ensure that your path remains clear. Namo Amituofo.