Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Via Daily Dharma: The Root of Compassion

 

Support Tricycle with a donation »
The Root of Compassion

Compassion naturally arises when we get a glimpse into another person’s suffering.

Lisa Ernst, “Awakening with a Rude Driver”


CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE


Miguel Atwood-Ferguson on How Nichiren Buddhism Saved His Life
By Stephan Kunze
The multi-instrumentalist, composer, and Flying Lotus collaborator talks SGI, Bennie Maupin, and creating mystical soundtracks for cleaning the house. 
Read more »

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Intention: Cultivating Lovingkindness

 


TRICYCLE      COURSE CATALOG      SUPPORT      DONATE

RIGHT INTENTION
Cultivating Lovingkindness
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 lovingkindness, for when you develop meditation on lovingkindness, all ill will will be abandoned. (MN 62) 

The function of lovingkindness is preferring welfare. (Vm 9.93)
Reflection
Kindness is a habit, like everything else in our emotional range. It can be learned and reinforced and cultivated, or it can be neglected, abandoned, and suppressed. Why not practice kindness by fostering the welfare of all beings, including yourself? Like any habit, it takes time and patience to interrupt the reflex to blame and hate and to install the new patterns of thought and behavior. But it can be done. So let’s do it!

Daily Practice
Lovingkindness can be invoked at any time. Look for opportunities to think kindly of other people, to wish them well, and to soften your heart. Do this especially as an antidote if you feel yourself going in the other direction and feeling ill will toward someone. Lovingkindness and ill will cannot coexist in a single mind moment, so you always have a choice to feel friendly or feel hostile in any situation. May you choose wisely.

Tomorrow: Refraining from False Speech
One week from today: Cultivating Compassion

Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media
#DhammaWheel

Questions?
Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.



Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning.

© 2024 Tricycle Foundation
89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003