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 mental 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
thinks thus: “It is a gain for me, it is a great gain for me, that I am
living with such companions in the spiritual life.” (MN 31)
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Of the three
kinds of action recognized in Buddhist teaching, mental acts are more
important than verbal and bodily actions because we say and do things
only after we think them. The system of cause and effect generated by
our thoughts is called karma, and we create either healthy or unhealthy
karma not only by acting and speaking but also with every mental action.
Attending to the quality of the mind is so important.
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In the privacy
of your own mind, practice thinking good thoughts about people. This can
be a kind of guerilla lovingkindness practice, in which you send
friendly and benevolent thoughts to people without them knowing you are
doing so. See what a good effect this has on your own mind. The people
you direct your kindness to do not need to be aware of your thoughts;
you only have to generate them to reap the benefits.
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Tomorrow: Abstaining from Intoxication
One week from today: Reflecting upon Bodily Action
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Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
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