The tongue works as a needle or scissors. A sweet voice can mend the heart of others, while harsh words can hurt or even break another’s heart. The words we speak must be filled with blessings and good wishes. When we receive blessings from others, we gain the power to progress through whatever lies ahead.
But how do we achieve a sweet voice? Human beings talk the whole day long – just listen to the way you talk to yourself in your mind. Just as, when we speak, the voice echoes, so it is with subtle thoughts – they reach others. Indeed, we often speak more with the mind than with the lips – the mind has a deep connection with our words and actions. The secret to having control over your words and actions, then, is to become peaceful, have self-respect, and remind others of their own self-respect; then all your words will be sweet and well considered.
It is easy to fall into the habit of criticising others. But if you defame someone or agree with someone who defames another, there will be consequences. The one who sows the seed of defamation receives the fruit accordingly. So be aware and cautious. Anger also makes the tongue bitter. We can remedy this by remaining aware of God; this makes the tongue very sweet! Fill your words with significance, benevolence, and thoughts of service. Otherwise, there is no need to speak. Aim to speak less and do more, so that others see that you show by doing.
Just as we can train the tongue to talk only when necessary, so the ears, too, can be trained to hear. Nothing wasteful, no matter how small should enter the ear; it is said that an ant in the ear of an elephant can make it fall. If you hear something about another person, this clouds your perception and affects your thoughts. How do we train our hearing? By developing the ability to listen and absorb only good things. When we absorb the truth, we understand what changes we can make to benefit others.
Sometimes the mouth is quiet but the eyes or lines on the forehead reveal a lack of peace within. The face is the index of the mind. Simply turn within, and you will find that a powerful silence will emerge as you begin to see yourself as a soul and those around you as souls, too.
Extract from ’Seeking Silence’.
The late Anthony Strano was an author and Rajyoga teacher with the Brahma Kumaris.
