Revoked: Oct 13, 2022

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Action: Reflecting upon Verbal Action

RIGHT ACTION
Reflecting Upon Verbal Action

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 verbal action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61)

When you have done an action with speech, reflect on that same verbal action thus: “Was this action I have done with speech an unhealthy bodily action with painful consequences and painful results?” If, on reflection, you know that it was, then tell someone you trust about it and undertake a commitment not to do it again. If you know it was not, then be content and feel happy about it. (MN 61)

Reflection

Speech is such an important form of action, especially in our modern world of constant communication. It helps to think of speaking words as a form of planting seeds— something we want to do with care and with the hope of good fruits arising in the future. It is helpful to reflect on what seeds you have sown, and it is a blessing to be able to look back on what you have said to someone and feel content and happy about it.

Daily Practice

Reflect on what you have said to others from time to time, especially soon after saying it, and check in on whether your communication has been harmful or helpful. If you feel that something is “off” in some way, do not hesitate to share your concerns with a trusted friend and look for ways to repair the damage. Taking care of our healthy relationships is a form of right action, and attending to our speech is a way of doing this.

Tomorrow: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given
One week from today: Reflecting upon Mental Action

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Via Daily Dharma: What is Not-Knowing?

Not-knowing means being open and playful. Not-knowing means engaging without an expected outcome and being willing to be wrong so that you can ultimately get it right.

Alex Tzelnic, “Being Wrong Until You Get It Right”

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