Spirituality in Speech

Author(s): Dada Bhagwan
Publisher: Mahavideh Foundation

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Spirituality in Speech
Spirituality in Speech
do pratikraman in your name.
Questioner : What happens when we speak we feel we are correct by our viewpoint and yet the other person feels that we are wrong according to their viewpoint?
Dadashri : All such talk is incorrect. Correct speech is only that which is accepted by the other person, it suits him. You should speak in such a way that the other person will accept your speech.
Questioner : Is it atikraman (transgression through the mind, body or speech towards any living being), when you say something to someone and although it is not your intention, the other person feels that you have said something wrong?
Dadashri : You must do pratikraman if you hurt the other person. Does it take a lot of work to do pratikraman? You can never be happy if you hurt others.
Questioner: Sometimes we have to caution someone when he is doing something unacceptable in the worldly sense. Is it right to do so?
Dadashri : In the worldly interactions you may have to caution people, but because the ego is involved in it, you must do pratikraman.
Questioner : If we do not caution them, will they not take advantage of us?
Dadashri : You have to warn them, but you should also know how to do it. Because people don't know how to speak in such situations, because they speak with their ego, they must do pratikraman. Whenever you caution someone, he is bound to feel hurt, but if you keep doing pratikraman, in a short time, perhaps even within a year, your speech will be more pleasant and acceptable to the other person.
Questioner : Many times we have to warn or prevent
someone from doing something, for his or her own benefit. What if this hurts them?
Dadashri : You have a right to tell them but you should know how to do so. Instead people tend to attack and criticize the other person the moment they see him and that is atikraman. If you hurt the other person, you must tell yourself, 'Listen Chandubhai! Why did you do atikraman? Now do pratikraman for it. Make Chandulal say, 'I will not say such words again. I am very sorry for having said these words.' That is all the pratikraman you have to do.
Questioner: Should we not say anything even if he is lying or doing something wrong?
Dadashri : Yes you can caution him. Tell him, 'It would be better if this does not happen.' You can say it this way. He feels hurt because you speak as though you are his superior and that offends him. If the words are going to be hurtful, then they should be spoken with humility and respect.
Questioner : Can respect and humility be maintained even while speaking harsh words?
Dadashri : Yes they can be maintained; that is the very science. You are playing a role', and that role must be played out thoroughly and convincingly, just as the actor, Laxmichand, while playing the role of King Bhratruhari, sheds tears when he begs alms from Queen Pingda. In reality Laxmichand is not crying, but he knows that if he does not play his part well, he will lose his wages. This is how you should express your sentiments. After Gnan the whole life is a drama.
Questioner: Should pratikraman be done in the mind, through reading or verbally?
Dadashri : No, only in your mind. You can do it however you want to, through the mind or verbally. Acknowledge your