UNJournal Jon Lee | A person's heart is reflected in their face, and their character is revealed in their words. We meet countless number of people every day. We converse with family, meet colleagues at work, and exchange thoughts through phone calls, text messages, the internet, and social media.

However, as the world becomes faster and harsher, smiles on our faces are diminishing, and our words are becoming increasingly sharp.

We criticize at the slightest difference in opinion and pour out aggressive words if things do not go our way. In online spaces where we do not face-to-face, we hurt others even more easily.

At times like these, the Buddhist teaching our society needs is precisely "a warm face and loving words." A warm face is also a form of giving. "Hwaan" (和顔) means a "gentle face," and "Aeeo" (愛語) signifies "words filled with love and consideration."

Buddhism teaches that one can give to others even without material possessions. A warm glance, a bright smile, or a single word of comfort offered to someone in distress can all serve as excellent acts of charity.
When someone is struggling, a brief remark such as, "Are you okay?", "You have worked hard," or "You can do it" can lift someone back up from despair.

We often think that we must accomplish great deeds to change the world, but it is actually these small actions that make the world a warmer place.

Words possess an invisible power. Once spoken, words cannot be taken back. While a cut from a knife heals with time, wounds inflicted by words can linger in the heart for a long time.

In particular, the words parents speak to their children, teachers to their students, and leaders to their members carry a greater responsibility. Words like "Let's try a little harder" foster personal growth, rather than "Why can't you do better than this?" The words “I believe in you” can change a person’s future more than “You cannot do it.”

The practice of “Right Speech” in Buddhism also begins here. It means not lying, not sowing discord among others, refraining from harsh language, and not disturbing people’s minds with meaningless words.

Successful people possess words that save lives. Lasting success is difficult to achieve alone. Great things are accomplished when people meet, trust is built, and good connections continue.

Therefore, a true leader does not treat people carelessly. They maintain courtesy even to those of lower status, offer warm words to those in difficulty, and do not trample on a person’s pride even when pointing out mistakes.

Those who win people over first win people’s hearts. And the smallest beginning of winning people’s hearts is a warm face and kind words. The language our society needs to relearn is not a louder voice.

It is a heart that listens to one another. Regardless of politics, ideology, generation, region, wealth, or status, we are ultimately people who must live together. Differences in opinion should not turn people into enemies. A mature society is one that acknowledges differences while respecting the character of others, and maintains dignity even when criticism is necessary.

Buddhist compassion does not begin in grandiose places. It begins with a warm greeting offered to family, a smile sent to neighbors, and the restraint of not speaking carelessly even to those who hold different views.
A Word from the Master of Conversation

“Kind words cost nothing, but the value of the connections they create is immeasurable.”
A single smile I offer today may rest someone’s weary heart, and a single warm word I speak today may give someone the courage to live again.
Wear a smile on your face, fill your words with compassion, and harbor in your heart the intention to cherish people.

A smiling face and loving words.
A smiling face opens people's hearts, warm words create good connections, and good connections ultimately brighten the world. If I smile first, the world becomes a little brighter, and if I offer kind words first, one person's heart is warmed.

These small acts of compassion gather to create great peace in our society.
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