Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Intention: Cultivating Appreciative Joy

 

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RIGHT INTENTION Cultivating Appreciative Joy Whatever you intend, whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will become the basis upon 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 succeeds when it makes discontent subside. (Vm 9.95)

Reflection The third brahma-vihara, appreciative joy, is not mere joy. It is the gladness that arises when you witness or contemplate the good fortune and happiness of another being. It is a celebration of all that is good in the world, an appreciation of healthy enjoyment itself. If you allow yourself to experience this often, your mind will naturally incline toward this state. It is impossible to feel any discontent when you genuinely feel good about others. Daily Practice This is a practice the world needs greatly, and it is deeply healing to the wounded heart. Living beings abide together in such profound interdependence that when relationships are fused with appreciative joy rather than discontent, the entire system becomes healthier. Practice celebrating the good things you see around you every day and use appreciative joy as a powerful antidote whenever you feel discontent. 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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