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 wish to do an action with the mind, reflect upon that same
mental action thus: “Is this action I wish to do with the mind 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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We are familiar with the expression Think before you act. Here it is suggested, Think before you think! It
is not as hard as it sounds. The idea is to pay attention to intention,
that function of the mind that decides what to do next or points the
actions of the mind in a particular direction. Is it really a good idea
to go back over what you should have said in that argument last week?
Probably not. Choose a different path.
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By getting in
touch with the workings of your intentions, you gain access to the
rudder of the ship, so to speak. Learn to notice, not only what you are
thinking but also what you are planning. Much of the time we have no
access to this, as things are moving so fast or we are so reactive that
we don’t feel we are in control of ourselves. But there is an executive
function in the mind, and we can learn to notice what it has in mind to
do.
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Tomorrow: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures
One week from today: Reflecting upon Social Action
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