廣弘明集 27.45

27.45

Next, repenting the karma of speech: this is the gate of troubles and suffering, the beginning of disaster and burden. A classic says: 'A single word can make a country flourish; a single word can make a country ruin.' It also says: 'Speech and action are the pivot and spring of the superior person; once the pivot and spring are released, they govern glory and disgrace.' A sūtra says: 'One must not engage in divisive speech, harsh speech, false speech, or frivolous speech; flattering, crooked, florid words, instigating trouble, deceit, and disruption.' Therefore we know that the troubles of speech invite retribution that is truly heavy. It is broadly detailed as in the Zi'ai jing, which reveals the characteristics of this karma. Furthermore, as a sūtra says: 'Even for causes and conditions where one loses one's life, one still does not speak falsely, how much less in jest and ridicule, instigating right and wrong.' One should constantly repent the karma of speech with a straight mind.