Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Action: Reflecting upon Bodily Action

 

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RIGHT ACTION Reflecting Upon Bodily 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 bodily action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61) When you have done an action with the body, reflect on that same bodily action thus: “Was this action I have done with the body an unhealthy bodily action with painful consequences and painful results?” If, on reflection, you know that it was, then tell someone you trust about it and undertake a commitment not to do it again. If you know it was not, then be content and feel happy about it. (MN 61)

Reflection While Buddhist teachings encourage us to be in the present moment and not ruminate obsessively on the past, it can still be valuable to reflect on past behavior in order to learn from it. The point is not to relive your faults or retell the story to yourself, but to bring things into the light of day so they don’t get buried in the unconscious mind. Self-examination and self-honesty can be powerful tools for internal transformation. Daily Practice If you feel remorse about something you have done in the past because it has caused harm to you or someone else, it can be helpful to admit to the action, acknowledge the harm it caused, and undertake a commitment to refrain from such behavior in the future. You can do this internally, but it can be even more effective to reveal the action to a person you respect and trust. This really brings it into the open. Tomorrow: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings One week from today: Reflecting upon Verbal Action Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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