Suttur, August 30, 2026: “Our speech should always be moderate, gentle and pleasing, without hurting others or putting ourselves in difficulty,” said Prof. H. B. Devanna of JSS College, Mysuru, while delivering a discourse on the 19th day of the Shravan Month discourse series at Suttur Srikshetra on August 30.
Speaking on the significance and power of words, Prof. Devanna said that the words we speak should never cause pain to others. At the same time, they should not create problems for the person speaking. Referring to the saying that speech should be like pulling a hair out of butter, he observed that even a harsh truth should be conveyed in such a pleasant and thoughtful manner that the listener is able to accept it. “Speaking the truth in a way that pleases and convinces the listener is itself an art,” he said.
He noted that the words of a Guru have the power to transform lives. Many disciples have changed their way of life after listening to the teachings of their Guru, while thousands of people have undergone a change of heart after witnessing the Guru’s words and actions.
Quoting the wisdom of the omniscient poet Sarvajna, Prof. Devanna said that both laughter and hatred can arise from speech. He also recalled the words of the Sharanas, who advised that speech should be as beautiful and well-strung as a necklace of pearls. History, he said, provides several examples to show that harsh and improper words have never brought lasting good to anyone.
Illustrating the transformative power of words, he narrated the story of Bhojaraja. Bhoja lost his father during childhood, following which his relative Munja sent him into the forest with butchers, ordering them to kill him. However, captivated by Bhoja’s beauty and innocence, the butchers spared his life and left him in the forest. Bhoja later wrote and sent a letter to Munja. After reading it, Munja underwent a change of heart, summoned Bhoja back from the forest and crowned him king.
Prof. Devanna also narrated the story of Shweta, who was known in the world as a virtuous man. After listening to the teachings of Rambha, a gem collector, Shweta became a devotee of Lord Shiva and began worshipping Shiva. He further narrated the story of a Guru devotee who was freed from the difficulties and hardships he had faced, highlighting the importance of devotion and spiritual guidance.
Sri Shadakshari, along with teachers Sri N. Sambhava, Ku. N. S. Savita and Smt. Shivalingamma, and his children, rendered service during the programme.
The programme commenced with a mass prayer. A large number of devotees and spiritual seekers participated in the discourse.