Free Speech

[The Thinker]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Is there anything in the Dharma, that addresses this subject?


All articles and opinion most welcome.

[SarathW]

Buddha taught about Right Speech




http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... peech.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;"

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dham ... amma-vaca/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[SDC]

I have found that 'a sense of shame' (SN 1.18,SN 16.7) is always something good to keep in mind when it comes to speech; and applies to 'free speech' as well. I think it really compliments the stock 'right speech' phrasing which we all to often find people using to make long-stretch justifications for being incredibly harsh and rude. Though it is not out of the question for the Buddha and some arahants to be blunt (and in some cases harsh) in the suttas, it does not hold water when it comes to non-ariyas, especially those who still live the lay life (which seems to be where 'free speech' would most often apply).