The Speaking Only Words of Kindness

Dear all,

During this month, I would like to recommend about the Buddhist fables to you because I think one of the shortest studies is reading/listening the fables (folktales, Buddhist fables or general fables, Aesop’s fables etc).  Besides enjoying, you have got knowledge/precept/proverb and save your special times, especially when you have a lot of works of each. 

For this Buddhist fable, I would like to suggest  the story about “speaking” only words of kindness.  In Buddhism, speaking is consisted of in the thirty-eight highest blessings called “Gracious kindly speech; Pali: subhãsita vãcã).  I think no one dislikes kindly speech or creative speech because these speeches will make power/spirit or hope to others.  On the contrary, kindly speeches make listeners hopeless and obstruct their future’s growth.  I have an example from the Buddhist fable: Nandhiwisala...!!!

.....In the City of Taksasila, at the time of King Dhandara’s reign, a Brahmin domesticated a young calf in his home. He loved the calf as if it was his own son. He tended to it with good care. The Brahmin named the calf ‘Nandhiwisala’.

When years passed, Nandhiwisala had grown up into a sturdy and stalwart bull.  He always behaved obediently to the old Brahmin.  Although having given the Brahmin years of faithful service, he always found more ways to repay the Brahmin’s kindness out of the sense of obligation.

The old Brahmin set out to meet the millionaire at his manor and challenged him to bet on the ability of Nandhiwisala.

The old Brahmin was jeered and heckled as he and his bull emerged into the town Those affronted expression disheartened him almost unable to walk further.

At the sight of the 100 loaded carts tightened in rows, the old Brahmin suddenly almost felt faint.

When Nandhiwisala heard the old Brahmin called him in such the hurting-the-feelings way in front of the crowd, he felt completely crushed, unable to take on the task but standing still with the stream of tears running down both cheeks.

That evening, the old Brahmin laid in his bed.  His heart was over-whelmed by severe depression after losing face and the bet.

The old Brahmin so  travelled into town again.

Time passed; then come the trail.

Hearing the endearing words, Nandhiwisala became vigorous. He started pulling the 100 heavy carts.

With his tremendous energy, the 100 tightened carts wheeled forward from the spot.

All the on-looking city folks, upon seeing the old Brahmin smiling with confidence, raised a loud cheer.

Finally, the train of carts slowly and smoothly moved ahead amid the great cheer going up from the crowd.

All the city folks crowded around the old Brahmin and Nandhiwisala to congratulate and award them with money and gold including other material things. This story obviously demonstrated that the endearing and truthful words of the old Brahmin heartened his bull to complete the almost-impossible mission, receiving the victory that Nandhiwisala intended to requite an obligation to him.

 ·..¤.¸¸·´¯`·.¸¸.·The End·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸¤..·

The reference of this story: The Jataka Book written by Phra Bhavanaviriyakhun.

The inspirations drawn from the story of this Jataka

....1. Even though the grateful are willing to pay back their debt of gratitude out of the sense of obligation, it is hard for them to tolerate the harsh and sarcastic speech. Thus, no matter in whatever circumstance, one should not speak roughly to others.

 ....2. Speaking the pleasant speech is graded 10 among the thirty-eight highest blessings enunciated by the Lord Buddha.

 .... 3. Kind speech implies words that endear us to others. It is not confined only to the use of polite words but has wider implication as follows:

           1)  Words that arise out one’s kindness and cause the listener to appreciate one’s virtuous character.

           2)  Words of sincerity and good wishes expressed at the right place and time.

           3)  Words that are polite, easy on the ear, and meaningful.

           4)  Words that are encouraging to those who are in the process of developing characteristics of a true friend.

           5)  Words that are truthful and expressed at the right place and time.

Thank you for good links:

• http://www.kalyanamitra.org/chadok/mixchadok/chadok5001/chadok5001.html  (Thai) 
• http://www.kalyanamitra.org/chadok/mixchadok/chadok5001/chadok5001_eng.html  (Eng.) 
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14GMyVzxrFU  (VDO)

  Thank you for attention.     

Bless you,

PM.Krittawit :)