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DISCOURSE 85
9.
The ninth quality that should be present in the preacher is that he should not speak sarcastically and that he should not pass sarcastic remarks on the listeners. He should not forget the vital point that he is a preacher of Dharma and that a preacher of Dharma should not be sarcastic in his utterances. Sarcasm offends listeners; therefore, it is said that the preacher should not employ sarcasm in his discourses but this principle applies only to remarks levelled against individuals. Sometimes, the preacher may pass sarcastic remarks on the whole society. Sarcastic remarks may be made while reviewing a social or a political situation.
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10. The discourse delivered by the preacher must bring about serenity in the minds of the people. It must be pleasant and likeable. Therefore, the two devices of accusation and projection are permissible in discourses. In order to secure the attention of the listeners, the preacher may employ the sentiment of love. Listeners become attentive when they are thus entertained. If they are bored, they will get away but amusement should not be given only for the sake of amusement. By using the device of amusement, the speaker should aim at securing the attention of the listeners and preaching some serious doctrines of Dharma which must penetrate their hearts. Even amusement should be decent and cultured. The preacher should not employ low and vulgar kinds of amusements such as sexy jokes. He should not narrate stories that inspire violent propensities in the listeners. He should not employ low and vulgar humour. If the preacher is a muni or a sadhu or an Acharya, he must bear in mind, the dignity of his religious and spiritual life. The congregation comprises women also. Therefore, low and vulgar humour should not be employed; only decent and cultured humour should be employed. The listeners should hear only noble things from the preacher; so he must preach only exalted ideas.
Another point is this. The entire discourse should not be one of amusement. Amusement should be like the salt mixed in wheat flour to make it tasty. The preacher may speak in a humorous manner now and then to provide psychological relaxa
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