Wisdom From a Laugh 37

The Famous Author

The famous author attended a party in her honour
after her successful book made it to the bestsellers list.

A jealous film actress struck up a conversation with the author. “I enjoyed your book very much. Who wrote it for you?” she asked sarcastically.

“Oh, I’m so glad you liked my book,” the author replied.
“May I ask who read the book to you?”

Reflection
* When we utter sarcastic words out of jealousy, we may get a ‘dose of our own bitter medicine.’

* Practicing Wrong Speech can cause pain to others. It creates disharmony. One has to be mindful of one's speech.

* Wrong Speech incorporates the following:

1. Lying with the intention to cheat or deceive, having its root in greed, anger or ego.

2. Harsh Speech - speech which abuses, ridicules, insults ... speech which hurts others.

3. Slander - speech which 'tears down' a person's dignity and reputation. It's born out of illwill

,anger or hatred.

4. Gossip - Frivolous talk that has no benefit ... it includes rumors and empty talk.

* One should try to practice Right Speech viz

1. Speaking the Truth

2. Kind speech ... speech with metta or goodwill as the roots.

3. Harmonious and reconciliatory speech ... speech to promote peace and harmony.

4. Constructive and beneficial speech ... speech that promotes the Dhamma.

With Metta,

Bro. Oh Teik Bin