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Thursday, May 15, 2025

Via Daily Dharma: A Simple Method

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A Simple Method

Sometimes just sitting in silence, enjoying our senses, not following our thoughts, can lead us directly to the state of mind in which we see the liberating, true nature of reality.

Anam Thubten, “The Three Fortresses”

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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 wish to do an action with the body, reflect upon that same bodily action thus: “Would this action I wish to do with the body lead to both my own affliction and the affliction of another?” If, upon reflection, you know that it would, then do not do it; if you know that it would not, then proceed. (MN 61)

Reflection

Not only is it wise to think before you speak, it is also important to think before you act. Another way of putting this is to act consciously instead of automatically, from habit. Conscious action is mindful action, and there is no activity that can't be done mindfully rather than mindlessly. Every action is accompanied by an intention, and this practice trains us to pay attention to this aspect of experience.

Daily Practice

Try going through your day as if you are holding a mirror up to yourself in your mind and you are able to see what you're thinking and reflect what you're about to do. Take that extra moment to be aware of yourself, aware of your actions, and aware of their impact on the world around you. This practice involves bringing mindful awareness to intention—to the impulse to act—in the moment before you follow through into action.

Tomorrow: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings
One week from today: Reflecting upon Verbal Action

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