Why is "idle speech" one of the ten unwholesome actions?

Upvote:0

Nyom,

Giving into something, associate (by body, signs (speech, gestures) and mind), nurishes the object, inwardlt outwardly, causing craving and arising of all kinds of unskilful minds, speeches and bodily actions, yet there are objects leading to and end of "holding on", (upadana), entertainment.

Thought, spoken, played around, done. Young dogs play to learn to harm. One playing killing games, speaks obout such, inclines to such, nourishes him to become an all around killer. Sensual pleasure alike...

If entertaining your self that is low, you nourish you inclination to it. Animal like entertaining (livelihood, gain of certain pleasure to walk on), leads to such existence... (for example Association with pets - Associated rebith?, or Association with the Devas - associated Rebirth ) entertaining oneself with the right topics, one increases inclination toward freedom from desire after entertaining: Noble Conversation: A Study Guide.

Btw.: most beloved idle topic of "livingroom" Aharahats: whether things exist or not. :-)

[Note: this Dhamma gift is not thought for any commercial use, exchange, stacks, entertainmaint for worldly purpose and might be deleted is the sphere for such is not given here]

Upvote:1

If distracting yourself from studying and practicing the dharma creates bad karma, why aren't other distracting activities included in the Buddha's list of unwholesome actions?

Aren't other distracting activities included in the Buddha's list of unwholesome actions?

However, the reason given for this rule is that frequenting public spectacles has negative consequences in this life, not that it generates bad karma).

I'm not sure i understand how you discern "consequences in this life" from bad karma. (As a layperson) my understanding of karma is that it's generated in the present. In other words, your actions now - in this life - determine your future karma.

Upvote:5

So how should I interpret the Buddha's teachings on idle speech for lay followers?

Opening pleasantries are not idle talk; they frame a discussion by providing social context:

He went by carriage as far as the terrain allowed, then descended and approached the Buddha on foot, and exchanged greetings with him. --DN16

And neither is talking about suffering, its origin, its escape and the path to escape.

β€œMendicants, do you remember the four noble truths that I taught?"

Have you noticed that although people may idly brag about their wealth, good family and good fortune, what they often really wish to talk about is their...suffering? Indeed, there seems to be a high correlation between idle talk and suffering.

Therefore, from a practical point of view, I've found that we can all talk about our own suffering and its escape. Such talk is not idle and often leads to friendships and trust.

In terms of movies and shows as idle talk, even these are opportunities to discuss suffering. Movies and shows are all about suffering.

So when someone approaches with idle talk, gently listen and ask them about their suffering. Then listen and speak with an open heart. Become a quiet person known as a good listener and a good friend.

Good friends, companions, and associates are the whole of the spiritual life. --SN3.18

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