Buddha Quote by Sylvia Boorstein
““The Buddha’s criteria for Wise Speech include—in addition to the obvious expectation that speech be truthful— that it be timely, gentle, motivated by kindness, and helpful.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Wisdom of No Escape”, 2009
Wise speech must be truthful, timely, gentle, kind, and helpful, emphasizing ethical communication.
In simple terms: Speak truthfully, kindly, and helpfully.
Key Takeaway
Practice mindful, compassionate communication.
Themes
ethics
communication
mindfulness
kindness
Mood
thoughtful
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- teaching
- daily conversations
Key Concepts
Buddhist ethics
non‑violent communication
intentionality
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you spoken truthfully but at the wrong time?
- How can you ensure kindness without being patronizing?
A Different Perspective
Timing can be hard to judge.
![“... every single act we do has the potential of causing pain, and every single thing we do has consequences that echo way beyond what we can imagine. It doesn't mean we shouldn't act. It means we should act carefully. Everything matters [p. 41].” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5ab/sylvia-boorstein-7241_causing-pain_every-single-act-we-do-has-the-potential_75621.jpg)
![“... freedom of choice is possible. Life is going to unfold however it does: pleasant or unpleasant, disappointing or thrilling, expected or unexpected, all of the above! What a relief it would be to know that whatever wave comes along, we can ride it out with grace [p. 35].” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/340/sylvia-boorstein-7241_choice_freedom-of-choice-is-possible-life-is-go_122468.jpg)
![“I love the phrase 'I am not afraid!' Maybe it's the best phrase we can say, other than 'I have everything I need.' Maybe they are the same. [p. 14]” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f28/sylvia-boorstein-7241_fear_i-love-the-phrase-i-am-not-afraid-maybe_356864.jpg)
![“... life is difficult and painful, just by its very nature, not because we're doing it wrong [pp. 17-18].” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2a/sylvia-boorstein-7241_difficult_life-is-difficult-and-painful-just-by-it_369102.jpg)
