This ancient wisdom from Buddha reminds us that how we communicate with others has a direct effect on the way they interact with us. When we speak harshly to someone, our words can be painful and can provoke an angry response. On the other hand, if we communicate in a kind and respectful manner, people are more likely to respond positively.
It is important to remember that even when faced with challenging conversations, responding kindly and thoughtfully will have a greater impact than reacting angrily or harshly. This doesn’t mean suppressing strong emotions – it’s okay to express yourself respectfully while also standing up for your rights and beliefs.
Being mindful of how we communicate is essential for creating healthy relationships with others. Therefore, the next time you are engaged in a conversation, keep Buddha’s words in mind and practice speaking with kindness and understanding. Doing so will make for far more productive conversations, help us to maintain positive relationships, and make the world a better place.