Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I undertake the training rule to refrain from backbiting, gossip and malicious speech.

All oc the training rules that concern Right Speech have been profoundly difficult for me to observe spotlessly ane have uncovered and brought to life truths about my character that I had never seen before. Whether this is simply the function of the precepts or is especially true of those dealing with language I don’t know but it is clear that there is much work to be done.

I never considered myself a gossip or a tale bearer, which may be part of the problem, but as I have observed myself over the years I have come to see just how much petty pleasure I can derive from speaking about the faults of others. Fortunately, through long practice I have rea hed the point where I often, though not always, can feel a sense of constriction and dis-ease as the thought of gossiping arises which is usually enough to hold me back. Usually but not always. May I do better.