The Tongue

“Oh tongue, you are the one selected to enjoy the sweet taste; you speak truth that symbolizes sacrifice! You respect yourself and others. Without leaving your home, you attend to your work, without friendship or friction with your neighbours. How sweet are the words you speak? Oh noble one, you recite lovely poems and sing beautiful songs. When any tasty dish or fruit is given to you, you don’t retain it, but immediately send it down the gullet to the stomach. When anything bitter is given, you spit it out, saving the stomach from hardships. You are selfless, derive much joy in sharing and are the epitome of tolerance. You live amidst 32 sharp teeth, but intelligently and tactfully you conduct yourself without getting a single cut. Please don’t slip and utter inappropriate words at any time!” Thus, remind the tongue about its noble qualities and teach it never to lose its reputation by criticizing others.

Source: My Dear Students, Vol 5, Ch 2, Mar 9, 1993