The class during my last visit to the Manor was interesting with many interesting points brought out and as always speaking straight into my heart; the following story was recited:

Two devotees were having an argument and at the end one felt he had been wronged and so started going around speaking about the other devotee in a derogative way.
After several week’s he realized that actually the person was right all along and felt remorse for what he had said so wondering what to do about it went to his spiritual master for advice.
Listening carefully to the tale being told he promptly advised that he gets a feather pillow go into the middle of town and rip the pillow apart letting the feathers fly away.
The disciple did as he was instructed by the letter but did not feel any easing of his feeling or guilt so returned to his spiritual master to ask why.
The spiritual master listened and then said this is understandable as he had not get finished the task, now I want you to return to the center of town and pick up all the feathers to return the pillow to the way it was.
But protested the disciple this is impossible, how can I collect them all they would have blown for miles. This was the lesson the spiritual master wanted his disciple to learn that we need to control our tongue as we can never return what has been said.

It has certainly made me think about the way I myself speak, in what context and also who too and why. Usually if I am asked for an opinion I am usually quite ready to give it having an opinion on nearly everything; but actually my thinking is that on a majority to give an opinion is best avoided, not necessary and can confuse the situation.

It also reminded me of this that we also find quotes of one form or another to back up what we are saying, but that it is also easy when quoting to take it out of context homing in on the point that we feel backs up our particular point of view. The context in which a quote is made makes a big difference, but also raises on other question are we/I willing to change a point of view this is true intelligence. When all the facts are in then and only then may be an opinion can be given, but wisdom persists that may be keeping ones own counsel is much better.

As the feathers in the pillow can never be returned the same is to be said about our words once they are out there we can never take them back. They can be damaging not only to ourselves but to others.

And for those who missed the class the link can be found in my file sharing space under HG Sutapa Das