ISSN 1076-9005
Volume 24, 2017
Right Speech Is Not Always
Gentle: The Buddha’s Authorization of Sharp Criticism, its Rationale,
Limits, and Possible Applications
Sallie B. King
Georgetown University
What is Right Speech and how should it be applied in the
multiple challenges of social and political life? Examining passages from
the Pāli canon shows that although Right Speech is normatively truthful and
gentle, the Buddha endorsed “sharp” speech when it was beneficial and
timely. He both permitted and modeled direct, sharp criticism of the person
whose words or actions were harmful. The monks were taught to use such
speech even though it might disturb their equanimity and are seen as having
a moral duty to do so. Good moral judgment is needed to determine when
sharp speech should be used. Applying the analysis to the question of how
Buddhists should respond to the harmful words and actions of Donald Trump,
the study finds that the norms of Right Speech entail using sharp speech in
this case. In responding to supporters of Donald Trump, the study finds
benefit in avoiding sharp speech in an effort to build mutual understanding
and heal the deep divisions in contemporary American society. An exception
is made for hate speech which is seen as needing to be immediately
confronted.
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