We should mind our own business

and not the business of others.

This advice from Great Master Yinguang speaks to us of gossiping, a habit we all indulge in to some degree. Consider what you talk about with others. A project you’re working on, or your co-workers? The book you just read, or what you heard someone did at the party last night?

When we gossip, we indulge in speculation and spread rumors. But even if what we say is true, is it our business? Would we be uncomfortable if the person heard what we said?

We can tell ourselves the other person will never know. But the one we told knows. Perhaps they will think less of us. Most likely, we will have planted negative thoughts in their minds. How? We rarely gossip by saying how wonderful someone is! We talk about their perceived wrongdoings.

Instead of talking about what others have done, we need to focus on our own behavior and correct our faults before others have cause to gossip about us.