Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given

 

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RIGHT LIVING Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Taking What is Not Given Taking what is not given is unhealthy. Refraining from taking what is not given is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning the taking of what is not given, one abstains from taking what is not given; one does not take by way of theft the wealth and property of others. (MN 41) One practices thus: “Others may take what is not given, but I will abstain from taking what is not given.” (MN 8) On smelling an odor with the nose, one does not grasp at its signs and features. Since if one left the nose faculty unguarded, unwholesome states of covetousness and grief might intrude, one practices the way of its restraint, one guards the nose faculty, and undertakes the restraint of the nose faculty. (MN 51)

Reflection As we move systematically through the six sense spheres, we come to that most overlooked of sensory capabilities, discerning odors. The senses are simply giving us information, and whether we grasp after this information or simply let it be and take what is given is a choice we make in reacting to the information. Moving beyond the raw smell into attraction or aversion is a way of taking what is not given. Daily Practice Can you smell something with a lovely scent and simply notice that pleasure arises with the experience of smelling? And can you smell something foul or disgusting and simply be aware that displeasure or even pain arises in the smelling of it? And further, can you hold both experiences equally, with equanimity, rather than automatically being drawn to one and repulsed by the other? Practice simply being with what is. Tomorrow: Abandoning Arisen Unhealthy States One week from today: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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