RIGHT ACTION
Reflecting Upon Verbal Action
|
However the seed is
planted, in that way the fruit is gathered. Good things come from doing
good deeds, bad things come from doing bad deeds. (SN 11.10) What is the
purpose of a mirror? For the purpose of reflection. So too verbal
action is to be done with repeated reflection: (MN 61)
When you have done an action with speech, reflect upon that same verbal
action thus: "Has this action I have done with speech led to my own
affliction?" If, upon reflection, you know that it has, then tell
someone you trust about it and undertake a commitment not to do it
again. If you know it has not, then be content and feel happy about it.
(MN 61)
|
|
|
|
People are
always talking, if not to other people, then to themselves. And the
words we use have consequences, sowing the seeds of both external and
internal karma. External karma is the consequence of our actions in the
world; internal karma is the effect of our thoughts and emotions on
ourselves. This text is telling us that it is beneficial to reflect upon
things you have said in the past, noticing anything that has been
hurtful to yourself. It is not too late to change the pattern, to learn
to speak to yourself and of yourself in healthier ways.
|
|
|
Pay attention
to what you say, both to others and to yourself. Notice if you find you
are devaluing yourself—putting yourself down in some way or being
harshly self-critical. As in the case of bodily action, revealing these
things to another person who you trust and who has your best interests
in mind can be unburdening. It is healthy to change unhealthy habits,
even those that are the most intimate and personal.
|
|
Tomorrow: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given
One week from today: Reflecting upon Mental Action
Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media
#DhammaWheel
Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
No comments:
Post a Comment