Speech is our prime means of expression.
"In the beginning was the Word" is common to all tradition. Even the
movements of our limbs, directed by impulses from the brain through our
nervous system, constitute a form of speech.
Speech is an activity utilising space and sound. We connect to it by
listening. Jesus Christ, who was a master scientist of meditative
awareness, told his disciples: "Take heed what ye hear: with what
measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you" (Mark 4,24). In
listening, we can observe all the measures and qualities mentioned
above. Since we spend so much of our time in conversation, either
internally or in company, here is an ideal medium through which to
bring meditation into action.
These simple principles are very far-reaching, and the good sense of their application should be self-evident.
The first relates to space and sound. Clearly when speaking we should
be connected to the sound of our own voice. After all, if we are not
prepared to listen to ourselves, why should we expect anyone else to?
This simple practice alone will begin to transform the way we speak. In
fact, every sound we make vibrates throughout our entire energy system
and reverberates all around us, affecting both the atmosphere and those
in our vicinity. Careful listening increases our sensitivity to these
sound vibrations of our own making and gradually our communications
become more harmonious.
When others are speaking, we should be listening, too, not busily
preparing our responses, straining to get the next word in. If we could
listen to the sound of the other person's voice, rather than grasping
at the words, a whole new world of meaning would open up for us.
A Rabbi was arguing with one of his congregation for many hours.
Finally he said, "You are right. I am wrong and I should apologise".
Simple enough. Now play with this sentence, experimenting with
different emphasis and pitch. This exercise quickly reveals that is is
not the bare words that contain the meaning of the speaker. The meaning
and intention are in the sound. Listening connects us to increasingly
subtle levels of meaning until ultimately we may come to understand
that "every word doth almost tell my name, stating its birth, from
whence it does proceed" (Shakespeare Sonnets).
Being in touch with the sounds connects us with space, which gives us
the clarity to move on to the next "measure" we can observe in speech.
All sound is vibration of energy, and we can also connect to our own
energy through our speech. In fact, the sounds we make and the speech
patters that we employ have a profound effect on our energy field for
good or ill. Hence the power and widespread advocation of mantra
meditation, the universal love of music and the warnings against the
use of blasphemy and violent or abusive language common to all
traditions. We all respond to the difference between a dull, lifeless,
droning voice and a voice that is enthusiastic, inspiring filled with
life and vitality. To be in touch with the breath and energy that
magically gives expression to our thoughts and feelings is to cultivate
the latter. Here is the key to confidence in speech.
The third measure in speech has to do with "fire". The qualities of
fire are brightness, clarity and beauty. All these contribute to good
communication but nothing more so than the natural intelligence that is
inherent in the human voice. We have all marvelled at these qualities,
at some times, in other people's voices. Why be reluctant to recognise
them and acknowledge them in our own?
The fourth measure is in the realm of water and taste. Not surprisingly
the Hindu goddess of speech and leaning is call Saraswati - which
literally means "The Flowing One". She has three attendants, or
handmaidens. Mahi, "The Great", because speech flows and shines in
space, which is vast, and because speech expands that which is secret
within us and brings it into communicative manifestation. Bharati
carries and supports our meaning so that it may be available to others
whilst Lla signifies praise. Our speech expresses our worth and what we
worship or give value to. Its very basis is love, and loving kindness
(or the lack of it) is very evident in the sound of the voice.
The physical sound of the voice is the fifth measure which brings all
the others to our awareness. If we fully connect to the sounds in
speech, all this may become apparent, as may the ever-present silence
which upholds all sound.
It will be clear from the above that meditative awareness is not helped
by negativity and particularly self-degradation in speech - by means of
which we literally pass sentence on ourselves. Yet is seems quite
common for people to experience a continual flow of negativity and
self-criticism in their minds and find this an impenetrable barrier to
the practice and experience of meditation. The exercise suggested
earlier, on sound and silence, is a powerful antidote to this
negativity as well as being the ideal starting place for the
examination of the points outlined in this chapter on speech.
