Text of the meditation
Avoid exaggerations. The Truth is sufficient. Speak only words that are truthful and sincere. Do not deceive, whether by word, look or gesture. Avoid slander as you would a deadly snake, lest you be caught in its toils. Whoever speaks evil of another cannot find the way of peace.
Put away all dissipations of idle gossip. Do not talk about the private affairs of others, or discuss the ways of Society, or criticise the eminent. Do not recriminate, or accuse others of offences, but meet all offences with blameless conduct. Do not condemn those who are not walking in the righteous path, but protect them with compassion, walking the path yourself.
Quench the flame of anger with the pure water of Truth. Be modest in your words, and do not utter, or take part in, coarse, frivolous or unseemly jests. Gravity and reverence are marks of purity and wisdom. Do not dispute about Truth, but live it.
James Allen (1864–1912), Book of Meditations for Every Day in the Year (1913) – public-domain text, gently modernised.
The original 1913 text is in the public domain.
