Question

Try to think of an example of some speech that accomplishes another action, rather than transmit information, and tell us what action the speech accomplishes. This might be as simple as something like "guess what?"

Answer 1

"Vinoba Bhave" was one of the greatest social workers/ authors and spiritual practitioner in India. His speeches are the classic and unique examples of the initiation of the actions and thereby leading and cultivating a change. Below is mentioned the essence of one of his speches-

There are three best possible remedies/ solaces for killing the negativity of the human psyche and behaviours. Let's call these three solutions, the three medicines.

The first medicine is to show the psyche an inward “Krishna” (black/ negativity/ faults) and not the outward “Krishna” (fault) to this “Krishna Bhakti” (devotion for black side/ negativity) soaked in the heart. The habitual inspector of the world perhaps considers himself faultless, rather innocent. Once this illusion fades away, the stings and claws of inspection of we human beings will take a halt. There’s a beautiful incidence in the Bible’s New Testament. A woman committed some wrong. Judges were sitting for the final decision and justice. The fate of the woman pulled Jesus at the venue. The judges’ decision arrived. “The woman is responsible for a severe crime. Make her body free by throwing stones.” Jesus stood and appealed the crowd, “The one who is the purest of the pure should throw the first stone.” The crowd stood still. Everyone gradually escaped. Jesus guided her and bid a farewell.

The second medicine is silence. The first medicine was to avoid seeing “Krishna” (black/ negativity/ faults) in others. But knowingly or unknowingly if “Krishna” in others is seen, the second medicine is of utmost utility. This medicine may cause restlessness as side effect in the beginning. There may emerge a few sleepless nights. But this will turn into calmness. The life-force will convert restlessness into sanctity.

The third medicine is work. One, who works wholeheartedly, does not possess an unproductive critical acumen inside. The way a farmer realizes the significance of each grain, a lover of work realizes the value of each moment. Any emphasis on “Karmayoga” is insufficient considering its impact. But in the light of current discussion over “Krishna Bhakti” (Devotion towards negativity), it’s miraculously effective.

The said three medicines seem to be bitter to tongue but are holistically sweet. The true self will not be healthy unless the negativity of heart (thinking and feeling), mouth (talking) and body (acting/ doing) evaporate through introspection, silence and purity in work respectively. A medicine can’t be denied because it is bitter. Moreover, this medicine is to be taken with honey. Honey will nullify bitterness. Love for all is honey. The honey cloaked dose will eventually sweeten the existence.      

Thus, through this speech, the great social worker, "Vinoba Bhave" accomplishes following actions-

1- Being mute

2- Looking inwards/ introspection

3- Karmayoga (Noble actions backed by morality).