Via Daily Dharma: The Point of Practice

 

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The Point of Practice Attaining a flexible, nonideological, nonfixated state of mind—what Zen practitioners might call 'beginner’s mind'—is the whole point of meditation practice. Rita Gross, “Buddhist History for Buddhist Practitioners” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Exploring the Protective Qualities of Sati By Jake Dartington In an excerpt for our latest online course, The Five Spiritual Powers, Gaia House’s Jake Dartington reflects on the many functions of mindfulness. Read more » Buddhist Film Festival Presented by Tricycle March 15-24, 2024 We invite you to join us for our first-ever Buddhist Film Festival from March 15-24, offering five feature-length films, five short films, and a live Q&A with Lana Wilson, director of The Departure! Get your ticket » Follow Us Forward today's wisdom to a friend »

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 wish to do an action with speech, reflect upon that same verbal action thus: "Would this action I wish to do with speech lead to the affliction of another?" If, upon reflection, you know that it would, then do not do it; if you know that it would not, then proceed. (MN 61)

Reflection Often a conversation is like a chess game, in which it is beneficial to be able to think a few moves ahead. Are you just expressing what is on your mind, or do you want to have the other person hear you so you can have an impact on what they are thinking? Considering the impact your words have on others is a skill that can be learned, and it increases the effectiveness of your speech. It is good to be aware of what you are saying. Daily Practice Try slowing down your speech pattern and taking that extra moment to pause and check in on your emotional and mental state before you respond. With what quality of mind will you speak the next words: annoyance? agitation? benevolence? equanimity? Normal speech patterns are often very rapid, not giving us much time for reflection, but being more reflective is an extremely valuable practice.    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 Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation // Words of Wisdom - February 28, 2024 💌

 

 

Acting with compassion is not doing good because we think we ought to... It is giving ourselves into what we are doing, and being present in the moment. It is acting from our deepest understanding of what life is and not compromising the truth.

- Ram Dass -

Via Daily Dharma: One Moment of Perfect Attention

 

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One Moment of Perfect Attention One moment of kindness is greater than a hundred years of ordinary life. One moment of perfect attention is greater than a hundred years of kindness. Kate Lila Wheeler, “Ringworm” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Academia Meets Applied Buddhism Interview with Dr. Henry Shiu by Pamela Gayle White Henry Shiu moved to Canada from Hong Kong in 1990 with plans to study engineering or medicine. Thanks to an undergraduate elective that fellow students had suggested was an easy A, Shiu is now contributing to the evolving landscape of Buddhist chaplaincy studies in Canada. Read more » Buddhist Film Festival Presented by Tricycle March 15-24, 2024 We invite you to join us for our first-ever Buddhist Film Festival from March 15-24, offering five feature-length films, five short films, and a live Q&A with Lana Wilson, director of The Departure! Get your ticket » Follow Us Forward today's wisdom to a friend »

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) When others address you, their speech may be connected with good or with harm … One is to train thus: "My mind will be unaffected, and I shall utter no bad words; I shall abide compassionate for their welfare, with a mind of lovingkindness, without inner hate." (MN 21)

Reflection Malice is the desire to do harm, and when we look closely and honestly we may notice that much of what we say is laced with this intention. One text calls a dispute “stabbing one other with verbal daggers.” Here we are being encouraged to receive the wound without striking back. It is ultimately an expression of freedom from compulsion when you are able to say, “Others may speak maliciously, but I choose not to.” Daily Practice Not being provoked to malice by the malice of others is a difficult but important practice. Try to do this in small ways and gradually build up to more difficult situations. If someone slights you in some small way, practice noticing this, understanding it as an aggressive verbal act and then deliberately choosing to not be provoked by it into some form of retaliation. Do this again and again, and you will gradually get the hang of it. 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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