Swami ji said…
The ability to speak, to talk is a gift that God has blessed most of us with — and we have made the most of this gift – as talking with others, about others is something that we enjoy greatly. We talk with gusto, with energy, with passion — about anything and everything under the sun. Be it about the weather in a formal setting, or, gossip in an informal one – we simply want to partake in conversation. Some of us are guilty of slipping into monologue, caring little for others, just as long as we are heard.
But, herein lies the catch. While we are in a great hurry to speak first, to answer quickly, to convey a point, or , to say something — anything at all — to anyone, do we pause for even a moment to ask ourselves: “हम अपनी ज़ुबान पर लगाम लगा रहे हैं या नहीं ?”
Do these words of wisdom urge us to place gentle restraints on our tongue, making us pause before we speak and consider the weight and consequence of our words? We would benefit greatly if we remembered that every syllable we utter carries the power to shape, sculpt, and script the very reality of our lives.
It may not be difficult for us to recall those moments when, in anger, frustration, or , retaliation, we might have spoken negatively or pessimistically to someone — only to later see those very words take a definite form before our eyes – filling us with regret for having said those fateful words…“हमने अपनी ज़ुबान को ऐसा कहने से रोका क्यों नहीं?” we lament.
Once we understand that the tongue is powerful and its power cannot be dismissed — as time and again it has been proved that its effects are real and immediate — it becomes essential for us to be careful and cautious before speaking. Many times, when asked about our welfare, we respond by saying we are unhappy or depressed. In doing so, we unknowingly give strength and permanence to those feelings. It is said that physical wounds can heal, but, the scars borne by the soul — on hearing words of hate, humiliation, or contempt — may never be erased…“शब्द बाण हैं, निकलते ही लगते हैं, लौटते नहीं…”
The words we speak set in motion a chain reaction, affecting not just those who hear them, but, also our own minds and hearts. Thus, controlling the tongue is an act of controlling one’s ‘karma’. Words are action. They can injure, and they can inspire. What our words do — what mark they leave on the world — is entirely under our control. Words spoken thoughtfully, with kindness and care, create a positive impact all around. Those spoken mercilessly, with the intent to hurt, are like drops of acid rain that destroy everything they touch.
The spiritual seeker — who struggles against the mind — must always be observant of what and how he speaks. If he finds that he speaks before he thinks, then he has a long way to go on the path of spirituality. For the ability to be silent, to resist the urge to argue or justify, is the mark of one who has begun to gain control over the mind.
Words must not come cheap to us. They must be measured and valued. But how can we do this – that is the question? Just as a lamp shines brightest in the dark, just as the rains break after the scorching heat of summer — our words, too, must arise after deliberate and mindful silence. And, not just any silence, but, the silence of meditation and reflection.
Just as gold emerges from the blacksmith’s blazing furnace, so too must words emerge from the depths of thought and patient consideration. And, just as the blacksmith hammers away impurities to create something beautiful and radiant, we, too must remove every trace of bitterness, anger, or , malice from our speech before presenting it to the world.
Dedicated to Swamiji Ajay Jain ji 