Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings

 

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RIGHT LIVING Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Harming Living Beings       Harming living beings is unhealthy. Refraining from harming living beings is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning the harming of living beings, one abstains from harming living beings; with rod and weapon laid aside, gentle and kindly, one abides compassionate to all living beings. (M 41) One practices thus: “Others may harm living beings, but I will abstain from the harming of living beings." (MN 8) This is something that leads to the welfare and happiness of a person in this present life: accomplishment in initiative. Here, whatever may be the means by which a layperson earns their living—whether by farming, trade, government service, or some other craft—one is skillful and diligent. One possesses sound judgment about it in order to carry out and arrange it properly. (AN 8.54)

Reflection Many of the Buddha’s followers were members of the merchant class, and much of what he teaches is suitable for those who are earning a living in society at the same time as trying to follow his guidance. The practical advice here is that it is good to be "skillful and diligent," whatever your trade or mode of livelihood. Sound judgment is a valuable quality to have and leads you naturally to a respect for life that abandons all harming. Daily Practice Mindfulness is a form of skillfulness. When you do what you do—whatever it is—with full attention, this contributes to its skillful accomplishment. Try approaching your means of earning a living as a craftsman might approach their craft, with focus, sound judgment, and full awareness. Notice in the text that this applies to managerial work as much as to farming, and there is no modern pursuit that will not benefit from a mindful approach.  Tomorrow: Restraining Unarisen Unhealthy States One week from today: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given 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: Forever Coming to Know

 

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Forever Coming to Know We can recognize ourselves as part of the community of beings forever coming to know, forever unlearning what we thought was reality because we’re growing. You’re not growing if you know everything.  Kamilah Majied, “Dismantling Delusions of White Supremacy”  CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Hakuin’s Tears of Awakening By Yamada Mumon Roshi, Translated by Norman Waddell Yamada Mumon Roshi chronicles the spiritual development of Zen Master Hakuin Ekaku, from his childhood fear of hell to his final awakening at the age of 42. Read more »

Via [GBF] Flashback Friday: "Is There Sex in Tibetan Monasteries?" with John Jupt

In this eye-opening and provocative yet humorous talk, John Jupt explores the views of celibacy and abstinence in the Tibetan tradition. 

He also shares insights into the intimacy and channeling of sexual energy that he observed, specifically in the rigorous and austere environment of Tibetan monasteries. Listen as he explains how the norms in these environments are very different than those we experience in the West. 

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Recorded February 14, 1999

Listen on your favorite podcast player by searching "Gay Buddhist Fellowship flashback" or visit our website:
https://gaybuddhist.org/podcast/is-there-sex-in-tibetan-monasteries-john-jupt/

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Enjoy 800+ free recorded dharma talks at www.gaybuddhist.org/podcast/

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Via One Earth Sangha // On June 23, Explore EcoDharma with Kevin Gallagher

 

Join our June 23 EcoDharma Exploration with Kevin Gallagher The "Bad Guys" Learn More and Register What does it mean to be in right relations with those who deny the realities of accelerating ecological degradation, social injustice, and individual suffering or, worse, who actively exacerbate those interwoven crises? Whether because we share close personal ties with those who are dismissive of the crises of our time, because we are actively engaged in the work of participating in and growing movements seeking to mitigate those issues, or simply because they occupy such prominent places in our cultural landscape, the “bad guys” are an inescapable part of life for many. This unavoidable interdependence raises a host of issues, in both our personal practice and our roles as advocates and activists attempting to reduce suffering in the world at large. Join Kevin Gallagher on this deep dive into the topic, where we we will view the predicament of “bad guys” through a range of lenses – Buddhist, evolutionary, developmental, psychological, strategic – with the hopes of gaining new insights into how we might better relate, on behalf of both people and planet, to those who cause so much harm. Sunday, June 23, 2024 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM US Eastern / 8:30 to 10:30 AM US Pacific / 5:30 to 7:30 PM CEST View in your time zone We encourage you to register early, if possible. A recording of the conversation will be provided for those who cannot attend the gathering. EcoDharma Explorations are entirely donation-supported. Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated. Learn More and Register Share Tweet Forward This event is part of our monthly EcoDharma Exploration series, each of which focuses on a particular aspect of EcoDharma and features a different guest. We look forward to practicing with you. See All EcoDharma Explorations

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 are doing an action with the body, reflect upon that same bodily action thus: “Does this action I am doing with the body lead to both my own affliction and the affliction of another?” If, upon reflection, you know that it does, then stop doing it; if you know that it does not, then continue. (MN 61)

Reflection Mindfulness of the body involves being fully conscious of your bodily sensations as they occur in the present moment. Reflecting upon bodily action, as described here, has to do with being sensitive to the ethical quality of your actions, which requires tuning in not only to what you are doing but also to how your current activities affect yourself and others. If they pass review, then carry on; if not, it is time to alter your behavior. Daily Practice Be aware of the implications of your actions. Notice the patterns of cause and effect generated by what you do, particularly in regard to whether they are causing harm or not. If you realize you are doing something that is not good for you or something that is hurtful to others in some way, simply stop doing it. It is good to pause in mid-stride from time to time, to check on the ethical quality of your actions. 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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