Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Action: Reflecting upon Mental Action

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RIGHT ACTION Reflecting Upon Mental Action However the seed is planted, in that way the fruit is gathered. Good things come from doing good deeds; bad things come from doing bad deeds. (SN 11.10) What is the purpose of a mirror? For the purpose of reflection. So too mental action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61) When you wish to do an action with the mind, reflect upon that same mental action thus: “Is this action I wish to do with the mind an unhealthy bodily action with painful consequences and painful results?” If, upon reflection, you know that it is, then do not do it; if you know that it is not, then proceed. (MN 61)

Reflection We are familiar with the expression Think before you act. Here it is suggested, Think before you think! It is not as hard as it sounds. The idea is to pay attention to intention, that function of the mind that decides what to do next or points the actions of the mind in a particular direction. Is it really a good idea to go back over what you should have said in that argument last week? Probably not. Choose a different path. Daily Practice By getting in touch with the workings of your intentions, you gain access to the rudder of the ship, so to speak. Learn to notice, not only what you are thinking but also what you are planning. Much of the time we have no access to this, as things are moving so fast or we are so reactive that we don’t feel we are in control of ourselves. But there is an executive function in the mind, and we can learn to notice what it has in mind to do. Tomorrow: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures One week from today: Reflecting upon Social Action Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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