Answer: Language is a means of communication, allowing us to share our thoughts with others. In the Heaven realms, Celestial Beings rarely need to speak because they understand each other’s minds directly. However, humans cannot perceive each other’s thoughts and must rely on language, whether spoken, written, or expressed through symbols and gestures to communicate.
Language is used to influence the minds of others, and this is where karma comes into play.
If we convey the right views to others, we gain merit; if we impart wrong views, we incur sin. The story of Zen master Baizhang in China tells about a great master from the time of the past Buddha Kasyapa, who relied on his meditative concentration ability to claim that the Law of Karma does not affect those with high spiritual attainment like him. As a result, he was reborn as a fox for 500 lifetimes until he met Zen master Baizhang, who helped him correct his wrong views and be liberated from the life of the fox.
The Shakyamuni Buddha praised those who teach the Law of Karma to others, saying they will be reborn in the heavenly realms.
If we encourage people to love one another, we gain merit; if we encourage people to love only themselves, we incur sin.
If we impart useful knowledge to others, we gain merit; if we share trivial information that confuses others, we incur sin.
Preachers who accurately teach the true Dharma accumulate great merit, while those who misinterpret it incur great sin. If their teachings lead people to arrogance, it is sinful; if they promote humility and morality, it is commendable.
Writers, poets, and musicians who evoke noble emotions in people gain significant merit, while those who encourage paltry emotions incur sin.
Speech is a means that can impact others’ hearts. If our words cause others pain or humiliation, we incur sin; if our words encourage others and help them grow, we gain merit.
Using words to deceive, commit fraud or manipulate others to take money transcends the mere karma of speech and becomes the karma of action, leading to negative karmic consequences.
In general, we should use language as a tool to uplift and enhance others’ souls, which brings us merit.
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