Excerpt
Once the holy Hasidic master Baal Shem sent Yacov Yosef, his second-greatest
pupil, an outstanding scholar and Kabbalist, to test the learning of Yechiel, a
prospective son-in-law for Baal Shem's daughter, Udel. Yechiel, like the holy
master, came from a simple German Jewish family.
When Yacov Yosef returned from his mission, he reported back to the Baal Shem
Tov:
"Yechiel answered, 'I don't know' to everything I asked him. I wonder
about this guy..."
The Baal Shem Tov replied, "Oh God, I'd love to have such a man as my son-in-
law."
The young man told the simple truth, which is sometimes easier said than done,
and the old rabbi recognized his wisdom. Words can be gifts, words can be
weapons, words can be magic; words can be prayer, poetry, or song. What is
traditionally known as Right Speech is the third touchstone on the Eight-Fold
Path. So speak your truth. Tell it like it is. There is no reason to do
otherwise.
Everything You Say Can Express Your Buddha-Nature
In a world of exaggerated advertising campaigns, exploitative talk shows, hate
radio, and political spin doctors, Right Speech and impeccable expression may
seem to be a rather tall order. Yet i ... read full excerpt from: Awakening the Buddha Within ebook
