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Well Spoken Speech topic View in explorer

5 discourses
Speech that accords with right speech and is also timely, beneficial, and spoken with a mind of loving-kindness.
Also known as: good speech, eloquent communication
Pāli: subhāsitā
Supported by
Right speech

Right speech

☀️ bright quality

Speech that is purified by abstaining from falsehood, divisive talk, harsh words, and idle chatter.

Also known as: truthful speech, honest speech, kind speech, beneficial speech, harmonious speech, articulate words, eloquent communication
Pāli: sammāvācā
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Loving Kindness

Loving Kindness

topic
☀️ bright quality

The practice of developing boundless love and goodwill toward all beings, starting with oneself and extending outward.

Also known as: metta practice, unconditional love, goodwill meditation, goodwill, benevolence, kindness, friendliness
Pāli: mettā, metta, abyāpāda, abyāpajja
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Collectedness

Collectedness

☀️ bright quality

A mental quality of composure where awareness is gathered, steady, rather than scattered or tense. In such collectedness, supported by mindfulness and right view, experience is clearly known and can be wisely contemplated.

Also known as: mental composure, stability of mind, stillness of mind, concentration, undistracted awareness
Pāli: jhāna, samādhi, samāhita, susamāhita, sammāsamādhi
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Leads to
Wholesome

Wholesome

☀️ bright quality

Conducive to or suggestive of good health and mental well-being.

Also known as: blameless, skillful, beneficial, good, useful, healthy, nourishing, sustaining
Pāli: kusala
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Opposite
Wrong speech

Wrong speech

☁️ dark quality

Speech that deceives, divides, wounds, or wastes. It includes lying, slander, harshness, and idle chatter. Such speech distorts truth, breaks trust, and stirs the mind toward harm and discord.

Also known as: false speech, lying, divisive, slanderous or defamatory or malicious speech, abusive or rude or unkind way of speaking, meaningless talk or idle chatter or gossip
Pāli: musāvāda, pisuṇavācā, pharusāvācā, samphappalāpa
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Featured Discourses

AN 5.198 Vācā sutta - Speech ⭐️

Five factors of well-spoken speech are - 1) It is spoken at the proper time, 2) truthfully, 3) gently, 4) in a way that benefits, and 5) spoken with a mind of loving-kindness.

SNP 3.3 Subhāsita sutta - Well Spoken ⭐️

The Buddha explains the four qualities of speech that is well-spoken - 1) speaking only what is well-spoken, 2) speaking only the Dhamma, 3) speaking only what is pleasing, and 4) speaking only the truth. The Venerable Vaṅgīsa then praises the Buddha’s teaching with verses on the nature of well-spoken speech.

MN 58 Abhayarājakumāra sutta - To Prince Abhaya Speech of an Awakened One

Prince Abhaya, coached by Nigaṇṭha Nāṭaputta, tries to trap the Buddha with a dilemma about whether an Awakened One ever speaks harsh truths. Using the simile of removing a pebble from a baby’s mouth, the Buddha reveals he speaks only what is true, beneficial, and timely, guided by compassion.

SNP 2.9 Kiṁsīla sutta - What Virtue Well-spoken speech as a requisite of ultimate goal

Verses detailing the conduct needed to reach the ultimate goal. The teaching contrasts the impulsive and negligent with the steadfast mind, emphasizing the importance of honoring teachers, abandoning defilements, and establishing oneself in the peace and collectedness of the Dhamma.

KP 5 Maṅgala sutta - Blessings Well-spoken speech as the highest blessing

Redefining ‘luck’ as the fruit of skillful action, the Buddha outlines the highest blessings that bring lasting well-being and peace.