A personal blog by a graying (mostly Anglo with light African-American roots) gay left leaning liberal progressive married college-educated Buddhist Baha'i BBC/NPR-listening Professor Emeritus now following the Dharma in Minas Gerais, Brasil.
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 upon that same
mental action thus: "Would this action I wish to do with the mind 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
It is the
nature of living beings to act. Every moment some sort of action is
called for. Even when we are physically remaining still and silent, the
mind is acting. Even deciding not to act is a mental act. Much
of the time it seems as if our mind is thinking us, rather than we are
thinking our mind. But with heightened awareness it is possible to open
up more space for influencing with our intention the direction our mind
takes.
Daily Practice
This teaching
is inviting us to participate in our mental life with some sort of
awareness and freedom of choice. Notice thoughts arising and passing
away much as you would watch bodily sensations arise and pass away. As
you become more aware of your intentions, examine whether they are
healthy or unhealthy, helpful or unhelpful. See if you can at least
catch up with your mind—and maybe even get a step ahead of it.
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
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.
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.
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”
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.
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