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 upon that same mental action thus: “Would this action I wish to do with the mind lead to both my own affliction and 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 may seem odd to us that we could be aware of our intention to think thoughts before actually doing so. Thinking before you speak is one thing, but thinking before you think? And yet in the Buddhist model of mind and body, actions of the mind are not so different from actions of body and speech. We can learn to be aware of them before, during, and after undertaking all forms of action.  Daily Practice Identify some of your thought patterns that are familiar to you: the stories you tell yourself over and over, the episodes from the past you ruminate over. Now make the decision not to go there yet again. Some of this introspection can be helpful, but if it becomes repetitive and involuntary it can “lead to your own affliction.” There are ways to take more control over your mental action, and not ruminating is one of those ways. 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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Via Daily Dharma: Multitasking?

 

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Multitasking? We often convince ourselves that we can do several things at once. The truth is we’re not really multitasking; we’re just focusing on one thing for a very brief time, and then focusing on the next thing, intentionally shifting our focus over and over again. Dan Zigmond, “Practicing at the Office” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Culinary Compassion on the Buddhist Path By Colin Simonds How should we consider the Buddhist stance on eating meat in today’s agricultural context?  Read more » Living Courageously With Bradley Donaldson Join Theravada teacher Bradley Donaldson to discuss the principles of living with courage and compassion through the lens of the Middle Length Discourses (Majjhima Nikaya 131). Watch now »

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Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation // Words of Wisdom - May 29, 2024

 

"A Mantra, which is a repeated phrase, is designed to keep your consciousness centered. It’s a perspective giving device. It’s adding a third component to every relationship you have with object in the universe. This could be OM, this could be the sun, this could be Buddha consciousness, this could be called the witness, it’s Self-remembering in the Gurdjieff system. It’s a technique of adding a third component in order to get free of the identification with either of the other two.

You can use the mantra to find a center in yourself and to keep that third component going. Which allows you to watch your own drama all day long. It’s all a vehicle, and it’s going to have to go. But mantra is a useful vehicle."

- Ram Dass -

Via Daily Dharma: Stop Resisting Suffering

 

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Stop Resisting Suffering When we resist change, it’s called suffering. But when we can let go and not struggle against it, that’s called enlightenment. Pema Chödrön, “The Fundamental Ambiguity of Being Human” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Combating Ableism at the Zendo By Brendan Crowe Reflections from the Soto Zen Buddhist Association’s recent Disability in Zen Workshop Series.  Read more » Living Courageously With Bradley Donaldson Join Theravada teacher Bradley Donaldson to discuss the principles of living with courage and compassion through the lens of the Middle Length Discourses (Majjhima Nikaya 131). Watch now »

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 speaks unhurriedly, one’s body does not grow tired and one’s mind does not become excited, one’s voice is not strained and one’s throat does not become hoarse. The speech of one who speaks unhurriedly is distinct and easy to understand. (MN 139)

Reflection The previous text on right speech emphasized the drawbacks of speaking hurriedly, and this one reverses the focus and speaks to the benefits of taking your time when you have something to say. This can seem out of touch with the pace of modern life, but does that mean we should ignore this advice to fit in with the times? Might it be better to be guided by these wise words and learn to slow down how we communicate? Daily Practice How much of the stress in your experience comes from speaking too fast or trying to follow the speech of others who are speaking at a mile a minute? Notice, by paying attention, when this happens and make a conscious effort to slow down the pace of your own speech. This can have the effect of slowing down the people you talk with as well. You don’t have to be swept along by the speaking habits of others.  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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