Lecture on Buddhist Precept of Right Speech by Abbess Taitaku Patricia Phelan

Interesting lecture:

In Returning to Silence Katagiri Roshi discusses Dogen’s teaching on this saying, 'Kind speech is not merely speaking with an ingratiating voice, like a cat purring...[this] very naturally, consciously or unconsciously, is trying to get a favor by fawning or flattering. This is not kind speech. Kind speech is not the usual sense of kindness. It can appear in various ways, but ...we should remember that it must constantly be based on compassion.... Under all circumstances that compassion is always giving somebody support or help or a chance to grow.'