RIGHT LIVING
Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures
|
Sensual misconduct is
unhealthy. Refraining from sensual misconduct is healthy. (MN 9)
Abandoning sensual misconduct, one abstains from misbehaving among
sensual pleasures. (MN 41) One practices thus: “Others may engage in
sensual misconduct, but I will abstain from sensual misconduct.” (MN 8)
Sensations cognizable by the body are of two kinds: things to be
cultivated and things not to be cultivated. Such sensations as cause, in
one who cultivates them, unhealthy states to increase and healthy
states to diminish, such sensations are not to be cultivated. But such
sensations as cause, in one who cultivates them, unhealthy states to
diminish and healthy states to increase, such sensations are to be
cultivated. (MN 114)
|
|
|
|
Sensual
pleasures come in many forms, some obvious and overt, some more delicate
and suggestive. All have the potential for leading us into misbehavior,
which is defined as acting in ways that cause harm or are laced with
greed, hatred, and delusion. The pleasures of physical sensations are
particularly seductive, and it is conducive to overall health and
well-being to be capable of abstaining from misconduct whenever
possible.
|
|
|
We practice
observing physical sensations in formal sitting meditation, when we can
remove ourselves somewhat from everyday sights and sounds that can be so
distracting. By paying close attention to very subtle sensations, such
as those accompanying the inbreath and outbreath, we learn that all
sensations are impermanent, thus giving us the ability to avoid
misconduct when facing more challenging enticements later.
|
|
Tomorrow: Developing Unarisen Healthy States
One week from today: Abstaining from Intoxication
Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media
#DhammaWheel
Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
|
