Thursday, March 9, 2023

Via Tricycle // Finding Refuge in Indra’s Net

 


Finding Refuge in Indra’s Net
By Vanessa Zuisei Goddard
The Buddha taught that we are connected to all things in a vast web of interdependence—and this knowledge can become a place where we find freedom. 
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Via Daily Dharma: The Impermanence of Every Moment

 In some sense, the act of mindfulness meditation itself could be understood as a practice of dying—to each moment. If you get good at it, your last moment will be easier. 

Wes Nisker, “Making Friends with Death”


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Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Via FB


 

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from Harsh Speech



RIGHT SPEECH
Refraining from Harsh Speech
Harsh speech is unhealthy. Refraining from harsh speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning harsh speech, one refrains from harsh speech. One speaks words that are gentle, pleasing to the ear, and affectionate, words that go to the heart, are courteous, and are agreeable to many. (DN 1) One practices thus: "Others may speak harshly, but I shall abstain from harsh speech." (MN 8)

When one says, "All those engaged in the pursuit of self-mortification have entered upon the wrong way," one thus disparages some. But when one says instead, "The pursuit of self-mortification is a state beset by suffering, and it is the wrong way," then one is not disparaging anyone but is simply stating the truth. (MN 139)
Reflection
Certain words or phrases that appear harsh are simply part of the natural vocabulary of different social groups, and are not necessarily spoken harshly. But notice how certain ways of speaking are accompanied by a harsher mental state. Certain words bring with them a particular emotional tone, and this draws our mind into harsher places than necessary. Learning to see and avoid this can be helpful.

Daily Practice
In the example given in this passage, notice the difference between criticizing a person and criticizing the person’s behavior. When you disparage someone, you invite a defensive measure such as a counterattack; when you disparage their actions, you give the person room to distance themselves from their behavior. Try this for yourself. See if you can develop the habit of criticizing actions instead of people. It is not as harsh. 

Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Mental Action
One week from today: Refraining from Frivolous Speech

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Via Daily Dharma: Don’t Abandon the Raft Yet

 Although it’s true that the raft of the noble eightfold path is abandoned on reaching the farther shore, you still have to hold on to it while you’re crossing the river. Otherwise, you’ll be swept downstream.

Thanissaro Bhikkhu, “The Far Shore”


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Via Words of Wisdom - March 8, 2023 💌

 
 

Live as if the oneness was real and all things are one. Live not in words, go behind them. Be the loving witness.

- Ram Dass -

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Via FB \\ Polari

 

Polari
/pəˈlärē/
noun
a form of slang incorporating Italianate words, rhyming slang, and Romani, used originally as a kind of secret language in England by people in theatres, fairgrounds, markets, etc. and adopted by some gay people in the 20th century.

Via Ram Dass' SoulPod Virtual Satsang

 


Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Intention: Cultivating Appreciative Joy

 


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RIGHT INTENTION
Cultivating Appreciative Joy
Whatever you intend, whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will become the basis upon which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop meditation on appreciative joy, for when you develop meditation on appreciative joy, any discontent will be abandoned. (MN 62) 

The manifestation of appreciative joy is elimination of discontent. (Vm 9.95)
Reflection
It turns out that feeling good about the success or well-being of other people is good for you. The natural inclination of the self is toward selfishness, which is aimed at getting what we want and need. This is a useful function up to a point, but if we are ever to evolve beyond it, we need to reverse the process and cultivate care and concern for others. Wishing them well and celebrating their good fortune is a good place to start.

Daily Practice
Keep on the lookout today for what happens to other people and wish them well when you see or hear of someone having good fortune. This is actually an excellent remedy for your own discontent. If you are not happy about your lot in life, you can immediately lift yourself into a better state by taking joy in the good fortune of others. Rather than resent their success you can use it to help raise your own mood.

Tomorrow: Refraining from Harsh Speech
One week from today: Cultivating Equanimity

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Questions?
Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.



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© 2023 Tricycle Foundation
89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Via Daily Dharma: Making Requests, Not Demands

 The difference between a request and a demand lies not in the sweetness of your speech but in whether or not you subtly punish anyone who says no.

Katy Butler, “Say It Right”


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Monday, March 6, 2023

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right View: Understanding the Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering

 


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RIGHT VIEW
Understanding the Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering
What is the cessation of suffering? It is the remainderless fading away and ceasing, the giving up, relinquishing, letting go, and rejecting of craving. (MN 9)

When one knows and understands flavors as they actually are, then one is not attached to flavors. When one abides unattached, one is not infatuated, and one’s craving is abandoned. One’s bodily and mental troubles are abandoned, and one experiences bodily and mental well-being. (MN 149)
Reflection
Just as suffering is constructed moment by moment by attaching to the details of sensual experience, wanting the flavors we like and not wanting the flavors we don’t like, so too that very moment of suffering can be deconstructed by abandoning the wanting and not wanting and replacing it with equanimity. We still experience the flavor, directly and intently, but without being entangled with it—only aware of it.

Daily Practice
Practice eating with equanimity. Simply take a bite, chew it slowly and carefully, attending fully to every nuance of texture and flavor, and then swallow when appropriate. All this is done with great awareness but without favoring or opposing any aspect of the experience. When you experience flavors “unattached” and “without infatuation,” you are, in that brief moment at least, entirely free of suffering.

Tomorrow: Cultivating Appreciative Joy 
One week from today: Understanding the Noble Truth of the Way to the Cessation of Suffering

Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media
#DhammaWheel

Questions?
Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.



Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning.

© 2023 Tricycle Foundation
89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Via Daily Dharma: Path to Paradise

 Like happiness or peace or calm, paradise is not found by looking for it. Instead, it comes upon us, or we put ourselves in the right place where it can visit us.

Pico Iyer, “Let Life Come to You”


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Sunday, March 5, 2023

Via Daily Dharma: Aimless and Undisturbed


The beautiful thing about having fewer obsessions and ambitions—and just sitting straight and watching the breathing—is that nothing will disturb us. Things disturb us only when we have an aim.


Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, “Do Nothing”


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