RIGHT LIVING
Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Harming Living Beings
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Harming living beings is
unhealthy. Refraining from harming living beings is healthy. (MN 9)
Abandoning the harming of living beings, one abstains from harming
living beings; with rod and weapon laid aside, gentle and kindly, one
abides with compassion for all living beings. (MN 41) One practices
thus: “Others may harm living beings, but I will abstain from the
harming of living beings." (MN 8)
A layperson is not to engage in the livelihood of trading in intoxicants. (AN 5.177)
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What you do for
a living involves repeating certain actions of body, speech, and mind
again and again on a daily basis. If any of these things cause harm to
yourself or others, you are engaging in the consistent practice of
becoming unhealthier every day. It is important to undertake the
commitment to abstain from harming all living beings, including
yourself, and in some cases this might mean changing professions.
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Reflect upon
your means of livelihood and investigate honestly whether or not it is
contributing to the kind of intoxication that causes harm. Remember that
there can be many forms of intoxication, which is defined as the loss
of diligence and the growth of heedlessness. Are you contributing to
greater clarity and well-being by what you do for a living? If so, that
is good, but if not, you might want to think of making some changes.
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Tomorrow: Restraining Unarisen Unhealthy States
One week from today: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given
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Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
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