RIGHT ACTION
Reflecting Upon Social 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 social
action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61)
One reflects thus: “Others may speak in unhealthy ways; I shall refrain
from speaking in unhealthy ways.” (MN 8) One lives with companions in
concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk
and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes. One practices thus: “I
maintain verbal acts of lovingkindness toward my companions both openly
and privately.” (MN 31)
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How we speak to
one another has a big impact on how well we get along with one another.
We evoke from others the same emotions we express to them. If you say
something with annoyance, you will provoke annoyance. If you say
something kind, you will bring out the kindness of others. This is how
human interactions work: however the seed is planted, the fruit is
gathered.
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One important
way of practicing in daily life is bringing as much lovingkindness as
possible to everything you do, especially in the realm of verbal action.
Make a point today of speaking kindly to the people you interact with.
You’ll find it comes easily if you can manage to view the other person
“with kindly eyes.” Find something good in other people to focus upon
and allow your speech to flow from the emotion of friendliness.
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Tomorrow: Abstaining from Intoxication
One week from today: Reflecting upon Bodily Action
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