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

by Barbara Ann Kipfer, Marc Lesser (Foreword)

We’ve all said things we lived to regret. But what if we communicated mindfully instead, stopping first to consider how our words might hurt rather than help—or if we need to voice them at all? In What Would Buddha Say? , best-selling author Barbara Ann Kipfer offers 1,501 reminders for staying on the path of positive communication. Based on ancient Buddhist teachings, this portable guide will provide inspiration and tips on how to speak clearly, truthfully, and with lovingkindness. In our modern world, it seems we’re always in a hurry—usually running on autopilot, and all too quick to make that comment or send that message. But when we communicate without first considering the impact it may have—especially if it’s idle gossip or false speech—we can create unnecessary conflicts and far-reaching negative consequences. With poor communication at the heart of most misunderstandings and arguments, learning to practice mindful communication, including good listening skills, is key to speaking—or not speaking—with better results in every area of your life. In What Would Buddha Say? , you’ll find hundreds of instantly accessible and compulsively readable communication tips on giving thoughtful attention to your words so you’re more likely to be understood, and less likely to damage your relationships. Based on the concept of Right Speech, an important element of Buddhism’s Noble Eightfold Path, these mindful essentials—inspirational quotes and sayings, short essays, and meditation suggestions—will guide you away from harmful speech and into a state of mindfulness from which you can gently speak your truth. There is always room for improvement in terms of communication, and with practice, we can learn to speak mindfully—to say only what is beneficial and true with a kind heart at the right time. Packed with Buddhist wisdom and full of inspiration, What Would Buddha Say? will help you maximize the good in your speech as you take steps toward a more peaceful way of being.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Philosophy, Buddhism, Religion, Communication

440 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2015

About the author

Dr. Barbara Ann Kipfer (born in 1954) is a lexicographer,as well as an archaeologist. She has written more than 60 books, including 14,000 Things to be Happy About (Workman), which has more than a million copies in print and has given rise to many Page-a-Day calendars. The 25th anniversary edition of the book was published in October 2014. She is the editor of Roget's International Thesaurus.

Kipfer is Chief Lexicographer of the company Temnos. She has worked for such companies as Google, Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com, Answers.com, Ask Jeeves, Bellcore/Telcordia, Federated Media Publishing, General Electric Research, IBM Research, idealab, Knowledge Adventure, Textdigger, The Chicago Tribune, and WolframAlpha. Barbara holds a PhD and MPhil in Linguistics (University of Exeter), a PhD in Archaeology (Greenwich University), an MA and a PhD in Buddhist Studies (Akamai University), and a BS in Physical Education (Valparaiso University).

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

this would be a good handy little book for quick reference, to flip through for reminders. i began marking my favourite quotes before remembering that i was reading a library book, lol

[Yoric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is likable because it just feels good reading it. +
It's a set of reflections we probably already had, and it's a joy to see it on paper. So we can reflect on it again, and appreciate their benefits again.

Let's take for example this one:

"Look for the many ways people communicate their love without saying it."

How profound, because we don't need words to express our attention, our care. It can be through Cooking, cleaning, working, playing, joking, or just sitting there and observing what another person is doing. Isn't it even better than just any "words"?
This simple sentence encourages us to see more ways, other and ourselves can use to express love and care. It's a call for action, to observe and see it in our everyday's life.

I can't stop but think of Anthony de Mello when reading this book.

[Honey P · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a bathroom book. You know the kind that your grandma used to have in her basket by the toilet to read while you go potty.... :) It isn't a bad book, it just isn't a book to get and *READ*....it is a book to casually browse when you have a little time to kill.

[Allie · Rating 1 out of 5]

this shit SUCKS

[Amberle Husbands · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this as the result of a Goodreads giveaway, and I was surprised by the format of the book, all though I couldn't really tell you how it differs from what I was expecting. It's a quick read, and instantly uplifting in the style of most quote-and-inspirational-snippet books. I really enjoyed it, and ended up with several dog-ears and high-lighted bits. I did find it amusing that the author could fill up a rather thick book with ways of answering "What Would Buddha Say," when more often than not, the answer is "Not very much." There are a lot of variations on the "Even a fool is considered wise with his mouth shut," doctrine.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection, and am very glad to add it to my bookshelf.

[Hannah Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Excellent advice for anyone, but especially people like me who struggle with composure and articulation. - Each right-speech teaching is just a little blurb, usually no more than a sentence or two so there’s no chance of getting overwhelmed. - Though I read it all the way through over the course of a couple weeks I think its purpose would best be served by having a copy lying out somewhere in a visible spot so you can pick it up and read a few pieces at time.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lot of quotes on how to communicate, Buddhist-style. Many are very similar, and already known for any Buddhists, but still a nice reminder. I can think of a "friend" who might benefit from a read of this.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. A lot of quotes reminding us that of the sharpest weapon humans have is the tongue. Think before you speak or most the times even better, be silent.

[Sister Frankenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've read in awhile. What will a mother do when tragedy strikes?

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall good but very repetitive with large chapters to wade through. Needed editing. Good advice though