Via Daily Dharma: Seeing the Suffering of Our Times Clearly

 

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Seeing the Suffering of Our Times Clearly  Fierce compassion means seeing the suffering of our times clearly, and being willing to take a stand, to act to relieve that suffering however we can.  Kaira Jewel Lingo, “Embodying the Equanimity of Fierce Compassion of Avalokiteshvara” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

How the Brahma-Viharas Can Help Us Shed Our Egoism By Jay L. Garfield The brahma-viharas can restructure our moral landscape and support us in leading happier, more meaningful lives.  Read more »

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 have done an action with the body, reflect on that same bodily action thus: "Has this action I have done with the body led to my own affliction?" If, on 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 While the practice has to do with being present in the moment, we are also encouraged to reflect on past action with the same diligence we apply to present action and intention for future action. If we have done harm in the past, it is healing to bring it out in the open by revealing it to another. Not necessarily a religious figure with the power to forgive—there is no such person in Buddhism—but simply a person you trust. Daily Practice Practice having no secrets. Whenever you do something, even a very small thing, that you feel was wrong or hurtful in some way, make a point of "coming clean" about it to someone. Perhaps you apologize to someone you’ve harmed or confess your errors to a trusted friend. With this as an ongoing practice, you may find yourself feeling lighter, unburdened by the things you do that are not quite right. 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 GBF - New Talk: "Befriending the Present Moment" with Eve Decker

Sometimes it can be a relief to hear the recognition offered in the First Noble Truth: that suffering exists and everyone experiences it.
 
In addition to this fact, the Buddha taught that suffering can be ended.

All of his teachings on achieving this freedom from suffering fall under two wings: wisdom and compassion.

In this talk, infused with dharma songs, Eve Decker highlights a few of the numerous 'feathers' that make up each of these wings, including:

WISDOM

• Mindfulness - the capacity to inhabit the present moment rather than identify with our thoughts. 

COMPASSION

• Loving Kindness (or befriending)
• Compassion
• Appreciative Joy
• Equanimity

______________

Listen on your favorite podcast player or on the GBF website:

https://gaybuddhist.org/podcast/befriending-the-present-moment-eve-decker/

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) Such speech as you know to be true and correct but unbeneficial and which is also unwelcome and disagreeable to others—do not utter such speech. (MN 58)

Reflection Even if something is true, that does not mean that it should always be said. The important point is whether or not it will be beneficial to speak. If a person is set in their views and what you say is unlikely to make a difference, then it is better to remain silent—all the more so if what you say would cause distress for the other person. But if by speaking up there is a good chance of helping them see more clearly, then go ahead and speak. Daily Practice Every Wednesday we give careful attention to the quality of our speech. Take on the practice of training yourself to become ever more aware of the truthfulness of what you say and ever more careful not to say something misleading or false. It can seem harmless to stretch the truth in small ways, but all speech is on a continuum from wrong speech to right speech, and discerning this  becomes subtler as you become more skillful. 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: The Place in the Middle

 

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The Place in the Middle Mindfulness is the place in the middle, which is not sucked in and overcome by something; nor is it pushing it away or recoiling from it in fear. Sharon Salzberg, “A Guide to Changing How We Relate to Difficult Emotions” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Don’t Read, Meditate! By Herman Schreuder The Pali suttas and Abhidhamma are excellent, trustworthy sources that are integral to the Theravada Buddhist tradition. But when it comes to developing insight, meditation is best. Read more »

Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation -- Words of Wisdom - January 24, 2024 💌

 

I'm explicitly making my life a teaching by expressing the lessons I've learned so it becomes a map for other people. Everybody's life can be like that if they choose to make it so, choosing to reflect on what they've been through and share it with others. -Ram Dass -

Via Daily Dharma: The Root of Compassion

 

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The Root of Compassion Compassion naturally arises when we get a glimpse into another person’s suffering. Lisa Ernst, “Awakening with a Rude Driver” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson on How Nichiren Buddhism Saved His Life By Stephan Kunze The multi-instrumentalist, composer, and Flying Lotus collaborator talks SGI, Bennie Maupin, and creating mystical soundtracks for cleaning the house.  Read more »