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 toward all living beings. (M 41) One practices thus: “Others may harm living beings, but I will abstain from the harming of living beings.” (MN 8) This is something that leads to the welfare and happiness of a layperson in this present life: balanced living. Here, a person knows their wealth coming in and their wealth going out, and leads a balanced life, being neither too extravagant nor too frugal, [knowing that] “in this way my income exceeds my expenditures, and my expenditures do not exceed my income.” (AN 8.54)

Reflection Indian culture is deeply rooted in commerce, as its early civilizations seem to have flourished on trade, and many of the Buddha’s followers were merchants. He thus had respect for commercial life, and the economic balance he mentions here can be seen as a middle-way lifestyle for the layperson. Just as a monk lives being neither too indulgent nor too ascetic, so also a layperson should live a financially balanced life. Daily Practice Right living for a householder or layperson involves prudence, self-control, and a balanced lifestyle. Notice the negative psychological effect when you are in debt or living beyond your means, and notice also the harmful effects of extravagance and self-indulgence. Contrast these to the sense of contentment and security that comes from living in equilibrium, when your income and expenses are in harmony with each other. 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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Via Daily Dharma: Embrace Uncertainty

 

Embrace Uncertainty 

"Since uncertainty prevails, why can’t we come to terms with it? ... Uncertainty is freedom."  Rebecca Solnit with Roshi Joan Halifax and Christiana Figueres in a video series called  "Uncertainty and Possibility: Meeting the Climate Future" CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE VIDEO SERIES

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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 are doing an action with the body, reflect upon that same bodily action thus: “Is this action I am doing with the body an unhealthy bodily action with painful consequences and painful results?” If, upon reflection, you know that it is, then stop doing it; if you know that it is not, then continue. (MN 61)

Reflection It is never superfluous to be consciously aware of what you are doing as you are doing it. And it is never too late to stop doing something if you become aware that it is causing harm to yourself or someone else. A mindful person is also a thoughtful person, carefully attentive to what they are doing and aware of the effect of their actions on others. Notice how good things come from doing good deeds and bad from bad. Daily Practice Practice being both a mindful and a thoughtful person. Take note of how you are acting and how your actions are impacting others. Do not be afraid to suddenly stop what you are doing if you notice it having harmful effects, and be flexible enough to change your behavior for the better when you can. Right action is skillful action, and is measured not only by its outcome but more importantly by the wisdom that is guiding it. 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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Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from False Speech

 

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RIGHT SPEECH Refraining from False Speech False speech is unhealthy. Refraining from false speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning false speech, one dwells refraining from false speech, a truth-speaker, one to be relied on, trustworthy, dependable, not a deceiver of the world. One does not in full awareness speak falsehood for one’s own ends or for another’s ends or for some trifling worldly end. (DN 1) One practices thus: “Others may speak falsely, but I shall abstain from false speech.” (MN 8) When one knows overt sharp speech to be true, correct, and unbeneficial, one should try not to utter it. (MN 139)

Reflection It is easy for us to admonish other people and point out their faults, especially when we are right about them. The meaning of right speech does not end with the admonition to speak the truth; it also guides us to say only what is beneficial. What is gained by  calling someone a jerk if doing so does not help them become less of a jerk? Skillful speech not only speaks the truth but also works to improve any given situation. Daily Practice See if you can discern in any given situation what will be beneficial to say and what will not. Publicly calling out someone’s faults can feel gratifying, especially when it seems entirely justified, but it may do more harm than good. If what you want to say does not contribute in some way to an overall improvement of things, you should resist the temptation to speak out and should try not to utter hurtful speech, even if it is true. Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Bodily Action One week from today: Refraining from Malicious Speech Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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Via Daily Dharma: Have an Open Heart

 

Have an Open Heart

Openheartedness helps us gain a wider perspective and realize that we’re all vulnerable and fragile.  Kimberly Brown, “Want to Change Someone’s Mind? Try This Instead.”  CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

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Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation // Words of Wisdom - September 6, 2023 💌

 

"Don't be afraid of making mistakes. The journey is between listening to the inner voice and making a choice to take action. The minute you make a decision, if you feel it is disharmonious with another plane of existence, you must go back inside again -- it's an art form of continually emptying to hear anew.

Imagine being in a relationship where two people are meeting each other anew all the time. Imagine how freeing it would be." - Ram Dass

Via Daily Dharma: Communication for Mindfulness

Communication for Mindfulness

Communicating skillfully and sensitively with other people is essential on the road to getting some headspace. This could mean applying a greater sense of restraint, empathy, or perspective to your relationships—or maybe all three! Andy Puddicombe, “10 Tips for Living More Mindfully” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

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