RIGHT ACTION
Reflecting Upon Mental Action
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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 mental
action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61)
When you are doing an action with the mind, reflect upon that same
mental action thus: “Does this action I am doing with the mind lead to
the affliction of another?” If, upon reflection, you know that it does,
then stop doing it; if you know that it does not, then continue. (MN 61)
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Being mindful
allows us to gain access to the flow of internal mental states that
might otherwise be overlooked. Insight develops as you are able to
reflect upon the quality of your thoughts and understand their impact on
yourself and others. Becoming aware of mental states is one thing;
understanding their quality—their level of healthiness or
unhealthiness—is another. This is the practice described here.
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Whether or not
your mental and emotional states cause affliction to yourself and
others is something about which you can develop an intuitive sense. It
is not about examining the question intellectually and conceptually but
about accessing an inner appreciation for what is helpful and what is
harmful. If your attitude feels off in some way, abandon it and turn to
something else. Use your own wisdom to guide yourself along the path.
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Tomorrow: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures
One week from today: Reflecting upon Social Action
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