Verse 34: Abandon harsh words
Verse 34 of Gyalse Tokme Zangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, from the section “Final precepts, daily conduct.” Below: the verse in three translations and what seven teachers say about it.
Open in the study browser →Harsh words disturb others' minds and corrupt your bodhisattva conduct. Therefore, abandon harsh speech, which is unpleasant to others. This is the way of a bodhisattva.
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to avoid harsh words, Which others might find unpleasant or distasteful, Since abusive language upsets the minds of others, And thereby undermines a bodhisattva's conduct.
Abusive language upsets others And undermines the ethics of a bodhisattva. So, don't upset people or Speak abusively — this is the practice of a bodhisattva.
The two-sentences-to-a-patient contrast: "hurry up, take your medicine" versus gently saying it will help — same intention, opposite effect. Right motivation needs right method; never speak while angry — "while you are angry you must think the other person is my parent."
(Brief.) "If one gets into the habit of using harsh speech it is difficult to stop" — the quick-tempered must watch themselves; strike delusion down the moment it arises.
Separates malicious intent from forcefulness: shouting to stop a child running into traffic is fine; his own teacher Serkong Rinpoche called him "Idiot" — forceful correction from genuine compassion. What's prohibited is speech aimed at hurting.
(Brief, practical.) Recall the occasions your sharp words caused tears; harsh speech impairs bodhisattva conduct through the very medium of communication — gentle speech guards both parties.
Citing Mipham: friendships and conflicts are caused mainly by speech — "most of the wars that devastate the world are started by harsh words." Nagarjuna's typology: words like honey (helpful), like flowers (honest and true), like excrement (violent, false) — discard the third. Gentle speech is itself merit, "the seed of achieving enlightenment."
Winter Retreat vv29–37 talk.
Talk 11: harsh speech reinforces one's own confusion while harming others. Tricycle v34 (video/subscriber).
AB's distinction (forceful ≠ harsh; intention is the criterion) prevents the misreading that bodhisattvas can never speak strongly. Nagarjuna's honey/flowers/excrement typology (via KS) is instantly memorable group material. ---
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche — The Heart of Compassion (Shambhala). A purchased book — no text is reproduced here.