Every word spoken arises from thought, is born of thought.

No word has ever been spoken that was not preceded by thought.

In turn, thoughts are given life by speaking them. They create a reality, they have presence and weight and potency.

Thoughts and speech are intimately connected.

When we see thought creates speech, and speech creates reality, we become increasingly interested in gaining mastery over the kinds of realities we are bringing to life.

How to practice:

In the space between thought and speech, we establish four gates at which we check thought before it is spoken:

Is this thought true?
Is this thought necessary?
Is this thought kind?
Is this the right time to give this thought life?

Checking the gates and restraining ourselves from speaking — untruly, unnecessarily, unkindly and at the wrong time — is a powerful ‘external’ practice that reduces confusion and harm between people.

AND it is a powerful ‘internal’ practice that increases awareness of thoughts and the strength of our restraint.