Question: Sometimes we find ourselves drawn into a discussion with others, including with those who we hold as dear to ourselves, and are called upon to voice our opinion. Socially, our speaking out on the issue at hand can potentially create tension in our relationships with the parties involved. Are there any principles you can point to, which can help us navigate this conflict situation?
Answer by Romapada Swami:
After all the monkey’s finished expressing their idea on the topic of accepting or rejecting Vibhishana, Hanuman was called upon to offer his opinion.
Hanuman exemplifies how one needs to converse, especially during a conflicting situation. One must not argue, nor compete with others, nor show superiority, nor be passionate for debate – rather, simply convey the truth in a palatable manner.
na vädän näpi saàgharñän nädhikyän na ca kämataù
vakñyämi vacanaà räjan yathärthaà räma gauravät ||6-17-52
- räjan = O king! räma = O Rama! na = neither; vädän = for argument; na = nor; saàgharñän api = for competition (with other counselors); na = nor; ädhikyän = for superiority; na = nor; kämataù = out of passion; gauravät = but on account of importance; vakñyämi = I am talking; yathärthaà = the matter in hand.
“O, king! O, Rama! I am talking neither for argument, nor for competition (with other advisors), nor for superiority, nor out of passion for debate but on account of importance of this matter in hand.”
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Austerity of speech consists in speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting Vedic literature.
