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 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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