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 have done an action with the mind, reflect upon that same
mental action thus: “Has this action I have done with the mind 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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We are used to
hearing that Buddhist teachings encourage us to stay in the present
moment, and this is true of meditation generally. But it is also
appropriate to learn from the past, and reflecting on your past actions
is one way to do this. Notice that actions include mental actions, so
even what you have thought in the past is to be investigated to see if
any of it has caused harm to another person.
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Think back on
the quality of your thoughts directed toward other people in the recent
past. Have you felt jealousy, ill will, or repressed anger, for example?
Have you plotted in some small way to undermine the success of someone,
even if you did not put the plan into action? This is intrinsically
unhealthy and potentially harmful behavior, and bringing such thoughts
to light by confessing them to a friend can be helpful.
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Tomorrow: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures
One week from today: Reflecting upon Social Action
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Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
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