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: “I shall initiate and sustain verbal acts of kindness
toward my companions, both publicly and privately.” 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: “We are different in body but one in mind.” (MN 31)
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As social
beings we speak a lot in the course of our daily lives. Here is an
invitation to focus on the quality of our verbal actions in a social
setting. The way to live in harmony with others is lubricated, so to
speak, by verbal acts of kindness. As the text says, “Good things come
from doing good deeds,” and this includes the things we say. The skill
of living "without disputing, blending like milk and water," is sorely
needed these days.
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Speak with
kindly intention to your friends, family members, and colleagues. The
quality of mind behind our words is often more important than the words
themselves, and here we are invited to emphasize the feeling of caring
for others when we speak. When we speak with kindly intention we evoke
kindness from others, as well as bring out and strengthen our own
capacity for kindness. This contributes to social well-being.
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Tomorrow: Abstaining from Intoxication
One week from today: Reflecting upon Bodily Action
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