The document contains two short stories about the proper use of speech. In the first story, two women argue about whose dog is smarter. The second woman claims her dog told her that the first woman's dog takes the newspaper to her each morning. This deflates the first woman's boasting. The second story describes a famous author who is confronted by a jealous actress at a party. When the actress sarcastically asks who wrote the author's successful book, the author replies by asking who read the book to the actress - turning the sarcastic comment back on the actress. The document encourages practicing "Right Speech" by speaking the truth, avoiding lies and boasting, and using kind

1. Wisdom
From A
Smart Dog Laugh 75
Two women who owned dogs were bragging about their
pets and arguing as to whose dog was smarter.
First woman : My dog is so smart - every morning, he waits
for the newspaper boy to come around and then he takes
the newspaper and brings it to me.
Second woman : I know this.
First woman : How do you know?
Second woman : My dog told me.
Reflection
Just when you think you are superior, something
comes along to deflate your ego. It does not pay
to brag or boast.
* To establish a good relationship with others, we
need to practise Right Speech.
* We should not lie, boast or brag. We should
speak the Truth.
* We should not slander and try to bring down
another. We should practise speech that promotes
harmony and goodwill with others.
* We should not use harsh words that can hurt
others. We should speak with kindness,
compassion and understanding.
* We should not engage in empty and frivolous
talk. Avoid rumors. We should speak more
beneficial and constructive speech - speech that
will help one grow in wisdom and compassion.

2. Wisdom
From A
LAugh 76
The Famous Author
The famous author attended a party in her honour
after her successful book made it to the bestsellers list.
A jealous film actress struck up a conversation with the
author. “I enjoyed your book very much. Who wrote it for
you?”
she asked sarcastically.
“Oh, I’m so glad you liked my book,” the author replied.
“May I ask who read the book to you?”
Reflection
* When we utter sarcastic words out of jealousy, we
may get a ‘dose of our own bitter medicine.’
* Practicing Wrong Speech can cause pain to others. It
creates disharmony. One has to be mindful of one's
speech.
* Wrong Speech incorporates the following:
1. Lying with the intention to cheat or deceive, having
its root in greed, anger or ego.
2. Harsh Speech - speech which abuses, ridicules,
insults ... speech which hurts others.
3. Slander - speech which 'tears down' a person's
dignity and reputation. It's born out of ill will ,anger or
hatred.
4. Gossip - Frivolous talk that has no benefit ... it
includes rumors and empty talk.
* One should try to practice Right Speech , that is,
1. Speaking the Truth
2. Kind speech ... speech with metta or goodwill as the
roots.
3. Harmonious and reconciliatory speech ... speech to
promote peace and harmony.
4. Constructive and beneficial speech ... speech that
promotes the Dhamma.