Via Daily Dharma: Attitude Matters

 

Attitude Matters

The attempt to look at your attitude—what you are feeling and thinking and the frame that holds it, is one of the routes to freedom. John Tarrant, “In the Wild Places” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

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Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Action: Reflecting upon Verbal Action

 

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RIGHT ACTION Reflecting Upon Verbal 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 verbal action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61) When you are doing an action with speech, reflect upon that same verbal action thus: “Is this action I am doing with speech 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 Speech is a form of action, and all actions have their consequences. Using mindfulness as a kind of mirror, pay attention to the effect your verbal actions have on those you speak to, as well as the effect they have on your own mental and emotional states. If you detect that people are being harmed by what you say, or if you notice your own mood turning toward the unhelpful spectrum, then stop saying what you are saying. Daily Practice A careful speaker is consciously aware of what they are saying while they are speaking and also takes notice of how their words are affecting others. Practice speaking carefully. It takes some extra effort to both compose your words and reflect upon them, as with a mirror, but it is worthwhile effort. Words are like seeds, and as the discourse reminds us, “However the seed is planted, in that way the fruit is gathered.” Tomorrow: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given One week from today: Reflecting upon Mental 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 Malicious Speech

 

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RIGHT SPEECH Refraining from Malicious Speech Malicious speech is unhealthy. Refraining from malicious speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning malicious speech, one refrains from malicious speech. One does not repeat there what one has heard here to the detriment of these, or repeat here what he has heard there to the detriment of those. One unites those who are divided, is a promoter of friendships, and speaks words that promote concord. (DN 1) One practices thus: “Others may speak maliciously, but I shall abstain from malicious speech.” (MN 8) If anyone should speak in disparagement of something, you should not be angry, resentful, or upset on that account. If you were to be angry or displeased that would only be an impediment to you, and then you could not recognize whether what they say is rightly said or not rightly said. If others should speak in disparagement of something, then you are to explain what is incorrect as being incorrect. (DN 1)

Reflection Speech is a two-way street, and the practice of right speech includes the ability to listen well in addition to speaking well. When you are the recipient of malicious speech—words that are intended to attack and wound and induce anger in you—it is a practice in itself to resist the temptation to take offense and lash out with your own malicious speech. Equanimity is the tool to use here, allowing you to not take things personally. Daily Practice Practice listening to the words of others, especially those that are critical of you or that disagree with opinions you hold dear, without taking them personally. Notice when the reflex of self-defense rears up; notice how it inclines you to resist what is being said and even to want to attack the person saying it—and then use the power of equanimity to regard the content objectively, without being automatically triggered into aversion. Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Verbal Action One week from today: Refraining from Harsh 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: Zazen Is Always Good

 

Zazen Is Always Good

So many meditators make the mistake of thinking their meditation is “good” only when they feel good and get what they want. In fact, zazen is always good, both when it feels good and even when it doesn’t. Jundo Cohen, “Where Samadhi and Radical Goallessness Meet” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

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Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation // Words of Wisdom - September 13, 2023 💌

 

"If there is one thing that a person needs from another human being, it's to be appreciated, listened to, and heard just as you are, not as I would make you."

- Ram Dass -

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Intention: Cultivating Compassion

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RIGHT INTENTION Cultivating Compassion Whatever you intend, whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will become the basis on which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop meditation on compassion, for when you develop meditation on compassion, any cruelty will be abandoned. (MN 62) Compassion is the way to purity for one who has much cruelty. (Vm 9.108)

Reflection None of us like to think of ourselves as cruel, yet cruelty lies dormant in all of us and can rise up without our calling it intentionally to mind. It may not ripen into murderous intent, but it can nonetheless manifest in subtle ways and cause great harm to ourselves and others. Compassion is both the antidote to and the vaccine for this affliction, dispelling cruelty once it has arisen and guarding against its arising again in the future. Daily Practice Call to mind the emotion of compassion, feeling tenderness toward those who suffer and encouraging the gentle wish that they heal and become free from affliction. Notice how this has a purifying effect on your mind and heart; it almost feels like fresh, cool water washing away any residue of selfishness or ill will. Bathe in this shower of compassion at every opportunity, thereby keeping all thoughts of harm out of mind. Tomorrow: Refraining from Malicious Speech One week from today: Cultivating Appreciative Joy 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: Meet Your Own Attachments

 

Meet Your Own Attachments

When we have the courage to squarely meet what we hold on to, to acknowledge and experience it with each new encounter, then over time we find that the bondage of our holdings loosens. Diane Eshin Rizzetto, “Meeting Others as Strangers”  CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

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