The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Three: Right Speech

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In this episode, I explore the third step of the Noble Eightfold Path, Right Speech, and why it might more accurately be called Right Listening. I begin with a story about the so-called “Marcus Syndrome”, the habit of using someone else’s speaking time to prepare your reply. From there, I revisit Right View and Right Intention, and how the way we hold our inner world naturally shapes the words we send out into the world.

We look at the classical categories of unskillful speech and then discuss four questions you can ask yourself before you speak. At the heart of it all is the rare and vulnerable skill of listening.  I also reflect briefly on a teaching from the Heart Sutra about how one’s capacity to listen can create deeper insight in others.

Highlights

• The “Marcus Syndrome” and the illusion that we are listening when we are really rehearsing
• How Right View and Right Intention give rise to Right Speech
• Why listening may be the highest communication skill
• The four forms of unskillful speech
  • Lying, including half truths and things we repeat without certainty
  • Abusive speech, and the difference between harm and skillful anger
  • Divisive speech that separates people from one another
  • Idle speech that fills space without purpose
• Four questions to ask before speaking
  • Is it true
  • Is it beneficial
  • Is it clear
  • Is it timely
• The power of presence and how good listening is contagious

Music After Party
A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke

I share why this song feels like a masterwork of sorrow and strength. It is a statement of grief and hope held in the same breath.

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Produced by Citizens of Sound

Music by: Derek O'Brien

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