The Power of Well-Spoken Words: Lessons from the Subhāsitajaya Sutta
Introduction: The Weight of Words
Have you ever noticed how words can build or break a person? A kind word can heal a wounded heart, while a harsh one can destroy relationships. In Buddhism, the significance of well-spoken words is deeply emphasized. The Subhāsitajaya Sutta tells a fascinating story about Sakka Deva, the king of gods, and Vepacitti Asura, the leader of demons, who competed in the power of words. Sakka won, not by shouting louder, but by using wise and kind speech. This sutta teaches us how difficult but valuable it is to always speak good words.
Sakka Deva vs. Vepacitti Asura: The Battle of Words
In the Subhāsitajaya Sutta, Sakka and Vepacitti engaged in a battle not of weapons, but of speech. Vepacitti, representing the Asuras, used aggressive, harsh, and hurtful words. However, Sakka responded with calm, kind, and truthful speech. Eventually, Sakka won the contest, proving that noble speech is far more powerful than harsh words.
The Challenge of Speaking Good Words
It is easy to respond to anger with anger, insult with insult. However, the Buddha teaches that real strength lies in controlling one’s words. People often assume that those who avoid harsh speech are weak, but in reality, they are the strongest. Resisting the urge to retaliate is far harder than reacting impulsively.
Society’s Misconception: Kind Words as Weakness
Many people believe that being soft-spoken means being a loser. They may see those who speak kindly as weak or naïve. But should we really regret choosing kind words over harsh ones? Absolutely not. The true victory lies in self-discipline, not in proving others wrong. Even if society mocks you, remember that you are achieving something incredibly difficult mastering your words.
Why Protecting Speech is Important in Buddhism
1. Words Shape Karma
In Buddhism, karma is created by thoughts, words, and actions. Harsh speech creates negative karma, leading to suffering, while good speech leads to peace and happiness. Speaking kindly is a form of right action that aligns with the Noble Eightfold Path.
2. Words Are a Reflection of Character
A noble person (sappurisa) protects their words because words define one’s nature. The Buddha taught that a person is known by how they speak. Choosing words wisely reflects inner wisdom and mindfulness.
3. Words Can Heal or Harm
A single harsh word can leave deep scars in someone’s mind, while a kind word can uplift and heal. Speaking harshly is easy anyone can do it. But using words with wisdom requires effort and mindfulness.
Speech as a Part of Sīla (Moral Discipline)
In Buddhism, sīla (morality) is one of the three essential practices, alongside meditation (samādhi) and wisdom (paññā). Right Speech (sammā-vācā) is a key component of sīla and involves:
- Abstaining from lying
- Abstaining from divisive speech
- Abstaining from harsh speech
- Abstaining from idle chatter
By following these guidelines, one cultivates good karma and peace of mind.
Read the Subhāsitajaya Sutta for a Deeper Understanding
Sakka Saṁyutta
SN 11.5 Subhāsita Jaya Sutta
Victory by Well-Spoken Words
God Sakka and Vepacitti engage in a debate to see who uses well-spoken words.
At Sāvatthi. “Monks, once in the past the gods and the titans were prepared for battle. Then Vepacitti, lord of the titans, said to Sakka, lord of the gods:
Vepacitti
“‘Lord of the gods, let there be victory by well-spoken words.’
Sakka
“‘Yes, Vepacitti, let there be victory by well-spoken words.’
The Supreme Buddha
“Then, monks, the gods and the titans appointed a panel of judges saying, ‘They will decide what has been well spoken and badly spoken by us.’
“Then, monks, Vepacitti, lord of the titans, said to Sakka, lord of the gods:
Vepacitti
‘Speak a verse, lord of the gods.’
The Supreme Buddha
“Monks, when this was said, Sakka, lord of the gods, said to Vepacitti, lord of the titans:
Sakka
‘Vepacitti, since you came into this world before me, you Vepacitti, speak a verse.’
Supreme Buddha
“When this was said, Vepacitti, lord of the titans, spoke this verse:
Vepacitti
“‘Fools will be angrier and try to fight if no one will keep them in check. That is why with severe punishment the wise man restrains the fool.’
Supreme Buddha
“Monks, when Vepacitti, lord of the titans, spoke this verse, the titans applauded, but the gods were silent.
“Then, monks, Vepacitti, lord of the titans said to Sakka, lord of the gods:
Vepacitti
‘Speak a verse now, lord of the gods.’
Supreme Buddha
“When this was said, Sakka, lord of the gods, spoke this verse:
Sakka
“‘I think, when one knows others are angry, if one mindfully maintains one’s peace, that is the best way to control the fool.’
Supreme Buddha
“Monks, when Sakka, lord of the gods, spoke this verse, the gods applauded but the titans were silent.
“Then, monks, Sakka, lord of the gods, said to Vepacitti, lord of the titans:
Sakka
‘Speak a verse, Vepacitti.’
Supreme Buddha
“When this was said, Vepacitti, lord of the titans, spoke this verse:
Vepacitti
“‘God Sakka, I see the fault of that patience. When one is patient, the fool thinks of that person thus, “He puts up with me out of fear.” The fool will cause more trouble to the patient one, as a herd of bulls charges towards one who flees.’
Supreme Buddha
“Monks, when Vepacitti, lord of the titans, spoke this verse, the titans applauded but the gods were silent.
“Then, monks, Vepacitti, lord of the titans, said to Sakka, lord of the gods:
Vepacitti
‘Speak a verse, lord of the gods.’
Supreme Buddha
“When this was said, Sakka, lord of the gods, spoke these verses:
Sakka
“‘It doesn’t matter whether one thinks or not, “He puts up with me out of fear.” There is great benefit in cultivating good qualities within oneself. There is nothing better than patience.
“‘Even though the strength of a fool is called power, in reality there is no power there. No one can challenge the patience of the one who is guarded by Dhamma.
“‘If one gets angry at another angry person he makes things worse for himself. The one who doesn’t repay an angry person with anger, he wins the battle hard to win.
“‘Knowing that his foe is angry, when one mindfully maintains his peace, he practices for his own welfare and the other’s.
“‘When he acts for the welfare of himself and the other, the people who are unskilled in the Dhamma consider the patient person a fool.’
Supreme Buddha
“Monks, when these verses were spoken by Sakka, lord of the gods, the gods applauded but the titans were silent.
“Then, monks, the panel of judges appointed by the gods and the titans said this:
Judges
“‘The verses spoken by Vepacitti, lord of the titans, are dealing with punishment and violence. Those verses talk about things such as, “This is how punishments should be given, conflicts arise and the battle begins.”
“‘But the verses spoken by Sakka, lord of the gods, are dealing with non-punishment and non-violence. Those verses talk about things such as, “This is how to stop punishments, living in harmony and ending the battle.” In conclusion, Sakka, lord of the gods, has won the victory by well-spoken words!’
Supreme Buddha
“In this way, monks, Sakka, lord of the gods, won the victory by well-spoken words.”
Conclusion: The Strength in Kindness
Choosing to speak kindly, even in difficult situations, is not a sign of weakness but of great strength. The story of Sakka and Vepacitti reminds us that real power lies not in loud words, but in wise ones. Protecting our words means protecting our karma, relationships, and peace of mind.
Next time you feel the urge to retaliate with harsh words, pause. Take a deep breath. Choose kindness. In doing so, you are already victorious.
FAQs
1. Why is right speech important in Buddhism?
Right speech is essential because words shape karma, influence others, and reflect one's inner character. It is a fundamental part of Buddhist morality (sīla).
2. What did Sakka Deva teach through his words?
Sakka Deva demonstrated that responding with wisdom and kindness is more powerful than harsh and aggressive speech.
3. Why do people see kind speech as a weakness?
Society often values aggression as strength, but in reality, controlling one's words requires far greater discipline and power.
4. How can I practice right speech daily?
By being mindful of what you say, avoiding gossip, speaking truthfully, and using words that bring peace and understanding.
5. Can kind words really change someone’s behavior?
Yes, kind words have the power to influence, heal, and even transform people’s attitudes and actions over time.
Namo Buddhaya!
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