Power of Speech | Acharya Ratnasundersuri | Part 5 |

TLDR;

This YouTube video by Ratnaworld discusses the power of speech and understanding in maintaining relationships, wealth, mental balance, virtue, and a good afterlife. It emphasizes avoiding harsh language to prevent losing loved ones, wealth, inner peace, and moral standing. The video uses stories and examples to illustrate how negative speech can lead to downfall and how positive speech can foster success and well-being.

• Power of Speech and Understanding
• Maintaining Relationships, Wealth, Mental Balance, Virtue, and a Good Afterlife
• Avoiding Harsh Language

Story of the Ascetic and the Millionaire [2:01]

An ascetic on a pilgrimage was approached by a millionaire seeking spiritual advice. The millionaire, proud of his wealth, was told by the ascetic that the only benefit of wealth is pride. The ascetic accepted a mirror from the millionaire to give to the "most foolish" person he encountered on his journey. After three years, the ascetic returned to find the millionaire in poor health, abandoned by his family who were after his wealth. The ascetic gave him the mirror, stating that he was the most foolish because he was losing his wealth and unable to do anything about it.

The Power of Speech: Understanding vs. Knowledge [5:29]

The speaker introduces the concept of "Understanding" (жити) as superior to mere "Nine" (knowledge). He explains that "Nine" touches the intellect, while "Understanding" touches the heart. He emphasizes that having understanding is essential for everyone, regardless of their social status. With understanding, one can avoid using offensive language, even when provoked.

The Five Essential Elements for a Fulfilling Life [6:40]

The speaker outlines five critical elements for a fulfilling life:

1. Swa-jan (स्वजन): Close relatives or loved ones who support you in times of sorrow and share your happiness.
2. Sampati (संपत्ति): Wealth or possessions.
3. Samadhi (समाधि): Mental balance or inner peace.
4. Sadgun (सद्गुण): Virtues or good qualities.
5. Sadgati (सद्गति): A good afterlife or spiritual progress.

He stresses that using harsh language can distance loved ones, which is the first step toward losing these essential elements.

Maintaining Relationships with Kind Speech [8:56]

The speaker shares a story about a father and son who had separated due to some misunderstanding. The son, missing his father, decided to visit him, bringing a box of sweets as a gesture of reconciliation. The act of bringing a gift softened the father's heart, and they reconciled. The speaker emphasizes that harsh words create distance and walls between people, while kind words bridge gaps and foster closeness.

The Impact of Speech on Wealth and Relationships [12:14]

The speaker continues with the story of the reconciled father and son. The son goes to buy new clothes for his father, but the daughter-in-law's attitude towards the father is not welcoming. The speaker highlights the importance of genuine affection and respect in relationships. He also points out that using harsh language can lead to the loss of wealth and subscribers, as people are turned off by negativity.

The Consequences of Harsh Language [14:04]

The speaker reiterates that using wrong words can distance loved ones. He emphasizes that even those living in poverty desire companionship and that harsh language can destroy these bonds. He asks why people knowingly use harsh words despite understanding the negative consequences.

The Importance of Awareness and Control [15:35]

The speaker questions why people aren't more aware of their speech and why they allow themselves to be provoked into using harsh language. He uses the analogy of a wife controlling her temper to maintain harmony in the household, suggesting that similar control can be applied to one's speech.

The Losses Caused by Negative Speech [17:08]

The speaker lists the losses that result from using negative speech:

1. Loss of loved ones.
2. Loss of wealth.
3. Loss of mental balance (Samadhi).
4. Lack of sons (inability to carry on the family name).

He emphasizes that those who use harsh language gradually lose their wealth and that this behavior is addictive.

The Importance of a Good Name and Subscribers [18:43]

The speaker highlights that a good name is a form of wealth and that those who use harsh language lose subscribers. He urges listeners not to focus solely on acquiring wealth but to understand that everything, including subscribers, is a form of wealth that can be lost through negative speech.

Maintaining Mental Balance and Relationships [20:03]

The speaker stresses the importance of maintaining mental balance and good relationships, regardless of one's status. He advises against reacting to provocation and emphasizes that losing loved ones and being alone, even in a luxurious setting, is undesirable.

The Impact of Harsh Words on Business and Relationships [21:28]

The speaker notes that businesses can suffer losses due to harsh language. He shares an example of a husband and wife whose relationship deteriorated because of unnecessary and hurtful words. He emphasizes that even without a specific reason, constant negativity can damage relationships.

The Story of Valmiki and Hanuman [33:28]

The speaker narrates a story from the Valmiki Ramayana, where Hanuman challenges Valmiki's description of the flowers in Ashok Vatika. Hanuman insists the flowers were red, while Valmiki wrote they were white. The conflict escalates, involving Sita and Rama, highlighting how ego and harsh words can create unnecessary disputes.

The Importance of Virtues and a Good Afterlife [37:21]

The speaker revisits the five essential elements, emphasizing the importance of virtues (Sadgun) and a good afterlife (Sadgati). He questions whether families prioritize virtues and whether they are aware of the consequences of harsh language, which can lead to the loss of loved ones, wealth, mental balance, virtues, and a good afterlife.

The Definition of God and Man [43:58]

The speaker shares a definition of God and man:

• Man - Desire = God
• God + Desire = Man

He explains that reducing desires brings one closer to divinity, while being consumed by desires makes one more human.

The Story of the Two Drunk Men [45:02]

The speaker tells a story of two drunk men arguing over a pond. One claims he can turn the pond into ghee and the leaves into bread. Their argument escalates, requiring police intervention, illustrating the absurdity of their desires and the conflict they create.

The Story of the Factory Inauguration [46:19]

The speaker shares a story about a factory owner who consults an astrologer for an auspicious day to inaugurate his factory. Despite the astrologer's predictions, the factory owner remains skeptical and critical. The speaker uses this story to highlight how negativity and doubt can undermine even the most promising endeavors.

The Importance of Openness and Humility [50:27]

The speaker emphasizes the importance of openness and humility. He uses the metaphor of a balloon, stating that even a large balloon can be deflated by a small prick. Similarly, pride and negativity can destroy one's achievements.

The Value of Spiritual Pursuits [51:02]

The speaker contrasts worldly achievements with spiritual pursuits. He shares a hypothetical scenario where an astrologer predicts that someone will not be able to become a monk. The speaker suggests that a true seeker would not be disturbed by such a prediction, as their focus is on spiritual growth rather than worldly success.

The Essence of True Wealth and Happiness [52:12]

The speaker emphasizes that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in good relationships, mental balance, virtues, and a good afterlife. He contrasts those who chase after wealth and power, even at the expense of their integrity, with those who prioritize spiritual values and genuine connections.

The Power of Understanding and Avoiding Pitfalls [54:57]

The speaker concludes by reiterating the importance of understanding and avoiding negative speech. He uses the analogy of avoiding a pit to prevent injury, stating that avoiding harsh language protects one from losing the five essential elements of a fulfilling life. He prays for everyone to have good sense and to protect their relationships, wealth, mental balance, virtues, and prospects for a good afterlife through mindful speech.