| When Little Miss Gossip got home she realised the only person who had talked to her all day was Mr Nosey.
"And he never says anyting nice about anyone", she thought.
"I wonder what he says about me?"
Beautiful speech is that which informs, uplifts and encourages the listener. It is true; it is given at the right time; it leads to harmony and fellowship, not discord or conflict. It is speech which promotes virtue, generosity and purification of mind.
Abusive speech is based on: rank of birth, personal name, clan name, work, art, disease, physical appearance, mental stains and faults. There can be direct abuse and sarcasm and ridicule or even only teasing.
The Buddha encouraged talk on: generosity and giving; morality; the ease and happiness of the heavenly realms; the disadvantages of sensual pleasures; the benefits of renouncing sensual pleasures.
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