Via Daily Dharma: Prioritizing the Present

 

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Prioritizing the Present  The future is an illusion, the past is now a dream, and the only reality we have access to is the present. Mark Coleman, “Why Are We So Hard on Ourselves?” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

The Sacred Polyester of Tibetan Khata Interview with Dr. Huatse Gyal by Karen Jensen Once made from wool, these highly symbolic textiles are now frequently made of polyester—and quickly polluting the planet. Tricycle speaks with anthropologist Huatse Gyal about their various meanings, history, and the conundrum of religious waste.  Read more »

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Via Daily Dharma: Buddhas Everywhere

 

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Buddhas Everywhere  Everything around us has the opportunity and the capacity to appear in the form of the Buddha. Satya Robyn, “On Wanting to Sound Good”  CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Compassion on a Global Scale Rick Hanson interviewed by Ronn Smith Dr. Rick Hanson, who launched The Global Compassion Coalition (GCC) in 2022, has assembled a substantial group of like-minded individuals and organizations in support of what he sees as essential for the future of our planet. Read more »

Via Daily Dharma: Growth Requires Work

 

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Growth Requires Work While the dharma rain falls equally on each of us, we must do the work—through our practice, or right endeavor—to grow into the best versions of ourselves. Mark Herrick, “Keeping in Mind Our Interbeing Through the Parable of the Medicinal Herbs” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Not Taking No For an Answer By Sarah Fleming In her new novel, The Gathering: A Story of the First Buddhist Women, scholar Vanessa R. Sasson highlights the stories of women who challenged assumptions about what it means to be a woman and what women are supposed to want. Read more »

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from Harsh Speech

 

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RIGHT SPEECH Refraining from Harsh Speech Harsh speech is unhealthy. Refraining from harsh speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning harsh speech, one refrains from harsh speech. One speaks words that are gentle, pleasing to the ear, and affectionate, words that go to the heart, are courteous, and are agreeable to many. (DN 1) One practices thus: "Others may speak harshly, but I shall abstain from harsh speech." (MN 8) When one says, "All those engaged in the pursuit of self-mortification have entered upon the wrong way," one thus disparages some. But when one says instead, "The pursuit of self-mortification is a state beset by suffering, and it is the wrong way," then one is not disparaging anyone but is simply stating the truth. (MN 139)

Reflection Certain words or phrases that appear harsh are simply part of the natural vocabulary of different social groups, and are not necessarily spoken harshly. But notice how certain ways of speaking are accompanied by a harsher mental state. Certain words bring with them a particular emotional tone, and this draws our mind into harsher places than necessary. Learning to see and avoid this can be helpful. Daily Practice In the example given in this passage, notice the difference between criticizing a person and criticizing the person’s behavior. When you disparage someone, you invite a defensive measure such as a counterattack; when you disparage their actions, you give the person room to distance themselves from their behavior. Try this for yourself. See if you can develop the habit of criticizing actions instead of people. It is not as harsh.  Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Mental Action One week from today: Refraining from Frivolous Speech 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 Intention: Cultivating Appreciative Joy

 

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RIGHT INTENTION Cultivating Appreciative Joy Whatever you intend, whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will become the basis upon which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop meditation on appreciative joy, for when you develop meditation on appreciative joy, any discontent will be abandoned. (MN 62)  The manifestation of appreciative joy is elimination of discontent. (Vm 9.95)

Reflection It turns out that feeling good about the success or well-being of other people is good for you. The natural inclination of the self is toward selfishness, which is aimed at getting what we want and need. This is a useful function up to a point, but if we are ever to evolve beyond it, we need to reverse the process and cultivate care and concern for others. Wishing them well and celebrating their good fortune is a good place to start. Daily Practice Keep on the lookout today for what happens to other people and wish them well when you see or hear of someone having good fortune. This is actually an excellent remedy for your own discontent. If you are not happy about your lot in life, you can immediately lift yourself into a better state by taking joy in the good fortune of others. Rather than resent their success you can use it to help raise your own mood. Tomorrow: Refraining from Harsh Speech One week from today: Cultivating Equanimity Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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© 2024 Tricycle Foundation 89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003