Donald Rothberg: Practicing the Wise Speech Guideline of Truthfulness: Four Dimensions of Practice 1

Donald Rothberg: Practicing the Wise Speech Guideline of Truthfulness: Four Dimensions of Practice 1

Author: dharmaseed.org September 9, 2026 Duration: 53:40
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The Buddha taught four guidelines for Wise Speech (as a core aspect of ethical practice): truthfulness, helpfulness, care and kindness, and appropriateness (especially good timing). We explore the first guideline, partly in connection with the other three guidelines, in four dimensions of practice. First and most basically, we explore how we practice with truthfulness in our individual practice with others. Secondly, we look at how truthfulness is also a central ethical guideline in our communities, organizations, and societies, making possible trust and safety; yet often this guideline is not followed. Thirdly, we look at our contemporary society in terms of truthfulness and the lack of truthfulness. Fourthly, we ask how we might respond, as part of our ethical practice, to develop more truthfulness in the society: What can help? The talk is followed by discussion.

For over four decades, Dharma Seed: dharma talks and meditation instruction has served as a living archive, a quiet space where the timeless wisdom of Theravada Buddhism meets the contemporary moment. This collection, curated by dharmaseed.org, is built from voices-teachers sharing practical guidance on vipassana (insight) and metta (lovingkindness) meditation directly from the tradition's core practices. Each episode is a preserved talk, often recorded in retreat settings, offering not just philosophy but direct instruction for cultivating awareness and compassion in daily life. You'll hear a diverse range of modern instructors, each bringing clarity to ancient teachings, making them accessible and immediately applicable. The archive is continuously growing, ensuring fresh perspectives alongside classic discourses. Tuning into this podcast is like finding a steady resource for reflection and practice, whether you are new to meditation or deepening a long-standing path. It provides a rare opportunity to listen and learn from a broad community of dedicated practitioners, all focused on the fundamental teachings of liberation. The recordings themselves are the heart of the project, shared freely to support anyone seeking peace and understanding through the dharma.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Dharma Seed: dharma talks and meditation instruction
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