RIGHT ACTION
Reflecting Upon Bodily 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 bodily
action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61)
When you wish to do an action with the body, reflect upon that same
bodily action thus: “Is this action I wish to do with the body an
unhealthy bodily action with painful consequences and painful results?”
If, upon reflection, you know that it is, then do not do it. If you know
that it is not, then proceed. (MN 61)
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As embodied
beings, we are always performing some sort of action, even if that
action is remaining still. Buddhist teachings recognize that physical
actions begin with the mental intention to act and invite us to look
carefully at the quality of our intentions. It is often hard to discern
the intention before the action, and it feels as if the body is acting
“on its own.” But if you investigate your experience closely, it is
possible to see your intention.
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See if you can
catch that brief moment before any action when the intention to do the
action arises in the mind. You might try this when you decide to open
your eyes after a sitting, for example. Then extend this capability to
noticing the ethical quality of actions you perform in daily life,
reflecting on whether a forthcoming action is likely to cause harm in
some way. If you can catch it before you act and stop, that is good.
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Tomorrow: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings
One week from today: Reflecting upon Verbal Action
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