Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Effort: Developing Unarisen Healthy States

 

TRICYCLE      COURSE CATALOG      SUPPORT      DONATE RIGHT EFFORT Developing Unarisen Healthy States Whatever a person frequently thinks about and ponders, that will become the inclination of their mind. If one frequently thinks about and ponders healthy states, one has abandoned unhealthy states to cultivate healthy states, and then one’s mind inclines to healthy states. (MN 19) Here a person rouses the will, makes an effort, stirs up energy, exerts the mind, and strives to develop the arising of unarisen healthy mental states. One develops the unarisen awakening factor of mindfulness. (MN 141) Reflection Effort is the tool we have to shape what we think, say, and do. Using it in healthy ways, we will become healthier. Just as we learn to guard against the arising of unhealthy states, we are also encouraged to develop healthy mental and emotional states. The text will take us through the seven healthy factors of awakening, beginning here with mindfulness. It is always beneficial to be aware, and we should practice doing so. Daily Practice Here you are invited to develop healthy mental states, which starts with creating the conditions that encourage them to arise. The first basic condition for healthy states to arise is mindfulness, for by being consciously aware of your experience you are not just reacting unconsciously to whatever comes up. Simply be attentive in every moment you can and notice what is happening. By doing so you participate in your life. Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Mind and Abiding in the Third Jhāna One week from today: Maintaining Arisen Healthy States 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. Donate » © 2023 Tricycle Foundation 89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

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Via Lama Rod Owens \\ My wish for you

 

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures

 

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RIGHT LIVING Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures Sensual misconduct is unhealthy. Refraining from sensual misconduct is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning sensual misconduct, one abstains from misbehaving among sensual pleasures. (MN 41) One practices thus: "Others may engage in sensual misconduct, but I will abstain from sensual misconduct." (MN 8) There is a gift, which is a great gift—pristine, of long standing, traditional, ancient, unadulterated—that will never be suspect. Here a noble person gives up sensual misconduct and refrains from it. In doing so, one gives freedom from fear, hostility, and oppression to an immeasurable number of beings. (AN 8.39)

Reflection The path factor of right livelihood usually focuses on the trades and business practices of laypersons, and we will look at those in time. Here, however, right livelihood is translated as right living, in an attempt to be somewhat broader in outlook. In that context, this is the place to consider the basic ethical precepts of the Buddhist tradition. Here we focus on sexuality and the importance of refraining from unhealthy sexual conduct.  Daily Practice The text actually says to abstain from sensual misconduct, which is considerably broader in range than sexual misconduct. Anything that gives pleasure can be abused, and you might want to think about such things as the films you watch, the web sites you visit, and ordinary pastimes like eating, drinking, and carousing. The practice here is to be attentive to what you do and give the gift of harmlessness to yourself and others. Tomorrow: Developing Unarisen Healthy States One week from today: Abstaining from Intoxication 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: Delight vs. Joy

 

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Delight vs. Joy Delight is more occasional; joy is more ever-present and waiting. Ross Gay, “Limitless Delights” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Via Adam and Andy //

 

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 wish to do an action with the mind, reflect on that same mental action thus: "Would this action I wish to do with the mind lead to my own affliction?" If, on reflection, you know that it would, then do not do it. If you know that it would not, then proceed. (MN 61)

Reflection We are used to thinking of action as something overt we do with the body or speech, but in fact every single movement of the mind is a form of action. Mental action can be even more consequential than outward forms of action. As the stream of consciousness flows on, each event lays the foundation for ensuing events, and we can see clearly that good things come from good thoughts. Take care of your mind. Daily Practice The practice of meditation gives you access to seeing what is actually going on in your mind, whether you meditate formally on the cushion or meditative reflection becomes a habit in everyday life. Paying attention to yourself, to the process of events unfolding in your mind, is of tremendous value. See if you can notice your intentions, the inclinations of your mind toward one thing or another, as they arise but before you act on them. 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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