(MN 58, excerpt)
Editor’s note: Do we know how to check the factors involved when we wish to speak to others? The Buddha once told what considerations he used before speaking.
…Prince, that word that the Realised One knows is untrue, unfactual, unbeneficial, unendearing and disagreeable to others, that word the Realised One does not speak.
That word that the Realised One knows is true, factual, but unbeneficial, unendearing and disagreeable to others, that word the Realised One does not speak.
That word that the Realised One knows is true, factual, beneficial, but unendearing and disagreeable to others, the Realised One knows the right time to explain things with that word.
That word that the Realised One knows is untrue, unfactual, unbeneficial, but endearing and agreeable to others, that word the Realised One does not speak.
That word that the Realised One knows is true, factual, but unbeneficial, even though it is endearing and agreeable to others, that word the Realised One does not speak.
That word that the Realised One knows is true, factual, beneficial, endearing and agreeable to others, the Realised One knows the right time to explain things with that word.
What is the reason? For the Realised One, Prince, there is compassion on human beings.
