RIGHT ACTION
Reflecting Upon Verbal 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 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 the
affliction of another?” 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)
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Let’s not
overlook the last line of this passage. If you reflect upon what you
have said to people in the past and on review you realize you have not
said anything harmful, you should feel happy about that. Feeling happy
and content about your own behavior is not only allowable but
encouraged. Positive feedback is as valuable as criticism, and
acknowledging your own self-worth is healthy. We forget this sometimes.
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Confide in a
friend some instance in which you have spoken badly in the past and give
that misdeed a chance to come into the open and be encountered with
awareness. Perhaps you told a lie or spread a rumor or otherwise said
something that caused harm. By revealing this openly you are able to
acknowledge that it was wrong, that you know better now, and that you
undertake a commitment to not do it again.
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Tomorrow: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given
One week from today: Reflecting upon Mental Action
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