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## 102
## Dasha Shruta Skandha Sutra
## I
**Commentary:** This Sutra describes the virtue of speech. It is absolutely essential for a Gani to possess the virtue of speech, as only then can they succeed in spreading Dharma. There are four aspects to this virtue:
Firstly, a Gani should possess the quality of **adequate speech**, meaning their words should be worthy of acceptance by the people. If the people do not accept their words, it is a sign that they lack the virtue of speech. Therefore, their words should always be such that everyone accepts them as proof.
Secondly, a Gani should speak **sweet words**. However, this does not mean words that are merely pleasing to the ear like the song of a cuckoo, but rather words that are both pleasing to the ear and full of meaning. Meaningless words, even if they are sweet, cannot achieve anything. Therefore, the Sutra-kar has described that words that are meaningful, full of merit like the milk of a cow, free from defects, and full of virtues are called sweet words.
Even if a person possesses all the qualities mentioned above, words spoken under the influence of anger, pride, deceit, or greed are not praiseworthy. Therefore, the Sutra-kar has described that one should never speak under the influence of attachment, aversion, etc. It is only appropriate to speak after removing all these things, because impartial words free from attachment and aversion are universally accepted.
**Fourth Aspect:**
However, one should only speak words that are free from doubt and well-cultivated in terms of the qualities of speech. This means that the words should be clear, properly articulated, grammatically correct, complete, and convey the desired meaning. Such words, when spoken, reveal their own qualities. This is called the virtue of speech.
The essence of the entire statement is that words which are adequate, sweet, impartial, unambiguous, and clear are capable of bringing about the welfare of the noble ones.
After the virtue of speech, the Sutra-kar describes the virtue of **dancing:**
**"What is the virtue of dancing? The virtue of dancing is considered to be of four types, namely: dancing for victory, dancing for joy, dancing for liberation, and dancing for the sake of benefit. This is the virtue of dancing."** (5)
**End**