A Buddhist is often stereotyped as a passivist. By extension, a
Buddhist writer may be generally conceptualized as placid in
both content and rhetoric. Right Speech, a factor in the Eight-
fold Path to Enlightenment, may suggest as much. Right Speech is
generally described as “Clear, truthful, uplifting and non-
harmful communication.”[i] This, itself, is clear, truthful and,
perhaps, uplifting. Yet, Right Speech is often misinterpreted
when it comes to the meaning of “non-harmful communication.”
Myths and stereotypes about Buddhist passivity, combined with
the peaceful and sober connotations that come with the term
“Right Speech,” would strongly suggest that harmful
communication could never be tolerated by a writer that would
don the label “Buddhist.” However, in the Mahayana tradition
there is a time and place for abrasive language, agitating
language, demanding language—as long as loving kindness and
compassion are motivating factors. There may be times when calm,
composed speech may do more harm than good.