Via Dhamma Wheel | Right View: Understanding the Noble Truth of the Way to the Cessation of Suffering

 

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RIGHT VIEW Understanding the Noble Truth of the Way to the Cessation of Suffering And what is the way leading to the cessation of suffering? It is just this noble eightfold path: that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right living, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. (MN 9) One practices guarding the sense doors . . . (DN 2)

Reflection Guarding the sense doors is a practice protecting the mind from the unwanted intrusion of the kind of sense objects that can cause harm. Just because a violent image flashes in front of you, you don’t have to watch it, and you need not pursue an ugly remark. When inclined toward hurtful or hateful thoughts, you can guide them away and take a different direction. You need not feel helpless but can exercise some skillful control. Daily Practice Imagine yourself a gatekeeper, carefully watching all the information flowing in through your senses and the thoughts passing through the gateway of your mind. You know intuitively what is helpful and what is harmful. Welcome in what is helpful and carefully steer harmful content away from infiltrating your mind. This is not suppression but the wise use of attention to protect and enhance the inner environment of your mind. Tomorrow: Cultivating Equanimity One week from today: Understanding the Noble Truth of Suffering  Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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