RIGHT INTENTION
Cultivating Appreciative Joy
|
Whatever you intend,
whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will
become the basis upon which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop
meditation on appreciative joy, for when you develop meditation on
appreciative joy, any discontent will be abandoned. (MN 62)
The manifestation of appreciative joy is elimination of discontent. (Vm 9.95)
|
|
|
|
It turns out
that feeling good about the success or well-being of other people is
good for you. The natural inclination of the self is toward selfishness,
which is aimed at getting what we want and need. This is a useful
function up to a point, but if we are ever to evolve beyond it, we need
to reverse the process and cultivate care and concern for others.
Wishing them well and celebrating their good fortune is a good place to
start.
|
|
|
Keep on the
lookout today for what happens to other people and wish them well when
you see or hear of someone having good fortune. This is actually an
excellent remedy for your own discontent. If you are not happy about
your lot in life, you can immediately lift yourself into a better state
by taking joy in the good fortune of others. Rather than resent their
success you can use it to help raise your own mood.
|
|
Tomorrow: Refraining from Harsh Speech
One week from today: Cultivating Equanimity
Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media
#DhammaWheel
Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
No comments:
Post a Comment