Why is there much discord and strife in the world today? Can we bring about a change by transforming anything in ourselves? Bhagawan reminds us of a powerful tool in our possession.
Through the power of Vak (speech) one can acquire a kingdom or great wealth. Friends and relations can be got through speech. Through speech, one gets bound and loses his freedom. Even death is brought about by speech. Speech is the life-force of human beings. Speech is the backbone of life. It is all-powerful. Saint Jayadeva addressed his tongue thus: “Oh tongue! You know all about the sweetness of speech! You enjoy truth and goodness. That is why chant the sweet and sacred names of the Lord – Govinda! Damodara! Madhava! Don’t indulge in reviling anyone. Speak sweetly and softly”. “Let your speech be truthful, pleasing, good and free from any resentment,” says Krishna in the Gita. Unfortunately, because such sacred and sweet speech has become scarce, society is riddled with bitterness and discord. The permissiveness of a crazy civilization has destroyed discipline and morality, and turned society into an inferno.
– Divine Discourse, Jul 22, 1994.
