Talking or listening to others talk, is the idle pastime of many. Have you heard people say, “I’m getting bored, let me call someone, ” or “let me switch on the TV. Let’s hear some news, music, just anything. This silence is killing!”? Or, “I wonder what Sheela’s daughter wore at her wedding yesterday, let me ask.” Talking, music, gossip, news, YouTube, even just babbling, takes your mind off yourself and diverts your thoughts. Talking is a free escape. For any diversion, i.e., travel, shopping, movies, one has to pay. When you can’t stand your own company, have worrisome thoughts, have you noticed how you begin to hum, sing, whistle, or even better, use a lifeline—“call a friend”.
Shankaracharya says, “May you refrain from uttering meaningless words” (Vrthaa Vakyam). These are words that have no good result and therefore are useless, they should never be used by a sadhak. Austerity in speech is a discipline. Words should emerge from the depth of truth, yet they should not hurt anyone, speech should always be pleasant.
Better keep silent if uttering the truth is hurtful or harmful. Economy of speech is another aspect of Vaak-tapas. Sir Arthur Quiller Couch, a famous teacher, once made his students write down three points of good literary style. 1) Brevity, 2) Brevity, 3) Brevity. Clarity, Truth and Sincerity are the other aspects of Vaak-tapas.
Always mean what you say, but sweetly. Our scriptures have prayers: “May my speech be like honey”. No spiritual seeker can afford to shout at or humiliate another. Such behaviour is contrary to tapas, and soon brings about his fall.
How to speak, when to speak, how much to speak, which words to speak, and when not to speak is a great tapas, worth acquiring. If one can master this powerful indriya, the tongue, the other disciplines come easily.
Prarthna Saran, President Chinmaya Mission Delhi.