Via Daily Dharma: Look at Now

 

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Look at Now If you want to know how your life used to be in the past, look at what you’re going through now. If you want to know your life in the future, look at what you’re doing now. Orlando Cepeda, “The Baby Bull, a Buddhist” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

When Am I? By Loch Kelly Contrary to popular belief, you can't be in the present moment. Read more » Loving Karma Directed by Johnny Burke and Andrew Hinto This month’s Film Club pick is the long-anticipated continuation of the Emmy Award–winning documentary Tashi and the Monk. Set in the remote Himalayan foothills of India, this newly reversioned Director’s Cut poses a profound question: What happens when suffering meets compassion? Watch now » Follow Us Forward today's wisdom to a friend »

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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 have done an action with the mind, reflect upon that same mental action thus: "Has this action I have done with the mind led to my own affliction?" If, upon reflection, you know that it has, then tell someone you trust about it and undertake a commitment not to do it again. If you know it has not, then be content and feel happy about it. (MN 61)

Reflection So much of what we do is never revealed in speech or bodily action. All mental activity is also a form of action and has karmic consequences. It is also the case that we can cause harm through our patterns of thought, including harm to ourselves. Karma is simply the workings of cause and effect, and every action we perform is accompanied by an internal mental intention, which is the focus of today’s practice. Daily Practice Here is an opportunity to look over some of your own mental patterns of activity and see if there have been any that contribute to self-harm. Perhaps there are ways you criticize yourself too harshly or undervalue your capabilities or secretly sabotage yourself. This is the sort of thing one often shares with a therapist, but it can be equally healing to share these mental actions with a good friend or someone else you trust.  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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