Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings

 

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RIGHT LIVING Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Harming Living Beings Harming living beings is unhealthy. Refraining from harming living beings is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning the harming of living beings, one abstains from harming living beings; with rod and weapon laid aside, gentle and kindly, one abides with compassion for all living beings. (MN 41) One practices thus: “Others may harm living beings, but I will abstain from the harming of living beings." (MN 8) A layperson is not to engage in the livelihood of trading in intoxicants. (AN 5.177)

Reflection What you do for a living involves repeating certain actions of body, speech, and mind again and again on a daily basis. If any of these things cause harm to yourself or others, you are engaging in the consistent practice of becoming unhealthier every day. It is important to undertake the commitment to abstain from harming all living beings, including yourself, and in some cases this might mean changing professions. Daily Practice Reflect upon your means of livelihood and investigate honestly whether or not it is contributing to the kind of intoxication that causes harm. Remember that there can be many forms of intoxication, which is defined as the loss of diligence and the growth of heedlessness. Are you contributing to greater clarity and well-being by what you do for a living? If so, that is good, but if not, you might want to think of making some changes. Tomorrow: Restraining Unarisen Unhealthy States One week from today: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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