RIGHT VIEW
Understanding the Noble Truth of the Way to the Cessation of Suffering
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And what is the way leading
to the cessation of suffering? It is just this noble eightfold path;
that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right
living, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. (MN 9)
One perfects their ethical behavior by abandoning the taking of life,
dwelling without taking life, with rod and weapon laid aside, gentle and
kindly, and with compassion for all living beings. (DN 2)
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The first and
perhaps most important of the basic ethical precepts is committing
yourself to the practice of harmlessness. This means not only no
deliberate killing but also refraining from any kind of assault against
living beings. The phrase used above literally means “laying down the
stick” and broadly speaking is construed as not only abandoning any
overt acts of violence but also softening the heart internally with
kindness and compassion.
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How can you
bring more harmlessness to your daily life? It is an emotional attitude
more than anything else. It involves seeing things through the eyes of
other beings and recognizing that they do not want and do not deserve to
be assaulted. Begin by brushing insects away rather than killing them,
slowing down to avoid animals on the road, and in every way increasing
your sensitivity to the inherent value of life.
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Tomorrow: Cultivating Equanimity
One week from today: Understanding the Noble Truth of Suffering
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