On Mindful Speech and Deep Listening

http://www.plumvillage.org/

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech,
I vow to cultivate right speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering.

Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering. I am determined to say only things that inspire self-confidence, peace, joy and hope.

I am determined to speack the truth in a way that brings about understanding and harmony.

I vow not to say things that are untrue or that bring about division and batred.

I vow not to spread news that I do not know to be certain, nor to criticize or condemn things of which I am not sure.

I am determined to listen deeply with love and compassion in order to understand the suffering and difficulties of other and to bring them comfort.

I am determind not to say things that might bring about division or disharmony in my community of practice, or that can cause the community to break, or that can cause the community to break.

I am determined not to speak to anyone about the faults of any monk or nun outside my Sangha or of another pratice center, even though I may think that these faults are real.

From Stepping into Freedom
An Introduction to Buddhist Monastery Traning
Thich Nhat Nahn