Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Intention: Cultivating Appreciative Joy

 

RIGHT INTENTION Cultivating Appreciative Joy Whatever you intend, whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will become the basis on which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop meditation on appreciative joy, for when you develop meditation on appreciative joy, any discontent will be abandoned. (MN 62)  Appreciative joy is like a mother with a son who is young, for she just wants him to long enjoy the benefits of youth. (Vm 9.108)

Reflection Appreciative joy is what lovingkindness transforms into when we witness something good and beneficial happening to another person, just as it turns to compassion when we see harm being done. Appreciating the good fortune of others is a readily available source of joy, as there are many blessings that can be counted. You can choose to focus on the harm or the good in the world around you and thereby feel either joy or sorrow. Daily Practice Practice focusing on the good things around you, the many ways other people can experience good fortune and well-being. Notice how your mind is uplifted when you appreciate the positive aspects of others' experience. This is a skill that can be developed with practice. It is not about shutting out the misfortunes that abound in the world but about balancing them with recognizing the many blessings that also exist. Tomorrow: Refraining from Harsh Speech One week from today: Cultivating Equanimity Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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Via Daily Dharma: Compassion Versus Empathy

 A key distinction between compassion and empathy is that in empathy, the focus is on the problem or the need, and the response is primarily emotional. With compassion, the focus is not just on the problem, but also the solution. It’s a more empowered state.

Thupten Jinpa, “The Power of Awareness and Compassion to Transform Our World”

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