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What Would Buddha Say? 1,501 Right-Speech Teachings for Communicating Mindfully

by Barbara Ann Kipfer
New Harbinger. (Following Buddha). 2015. 440p. ISBN 9781626251540. pap. $16.95. SELF-HELP
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According to lexicographer and Buddhist scholar Kipfer, practicing "right speech" (one of the elements in Buddha's Eightfold Path to Enlightenment) is a valuable tool to achieving happiness. Essentially, using right speech means refraining from lying as well as from speaking in divisive, harsh, and senseless ways. Kipfer sorts the sayings into 53 categories including anger, empathy, internal talk, and relatives, for example, "Hear the words, but let yourself savor the motivation behind the words." The author concludes with instructions for specific situations such as bullying, using the telephone, and dealing with suffering and pain.
VERDICT Even a cursory glance at this quality material and application of some of the sayings would make for a more peaceful planet.
Reviewed by Deborah Bigelow, director emerita, Leonia P.L., NJ , Jun 26, 2015
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