Thursday, June 27, 2024

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 are doing an action with the mind, reflect upon that same mental action thus: “Does this action I am doing with the mind 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
Just as you can train yourself to be aware of the inbreath and outbreath moment by moment as you breathe, so also you can learn to be aware of your mind both taking in information and responding outwardly to events. It is more difficult, because the mind is subtle, but the principle is the same. Here we are being asked to take some responsibility for what unfolds in our mind, steering it toward what is healthy.

Daily Practice
Notice the texture of thoughts as they arise and pass away in the mind. Be aware of them as events occurring and fading, rather than focusing on the content of the thought. The mind is a process and can be carefully observed. Notice also the quality of this activity, whether it is laced with ill will or aversion or selfishness, or if it is accompanied by good will, kindness, and concern for others. Gently guide your mind toward the good.

Tomorrow: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures
One week from today: Reflecting upon Social Action

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Via Daily Dharma: Turn Over the Reins

 

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Turn Over the Reins

When the mind relaxes its grip, the body leads the way. It’s a great relief for the mind, in fact. 

Willa Blythe Baker, “The Body Is Already Mindful” 


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Wholeness Is No Trifling Matter
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In her book Black and Buddhist, Buddhist teacher Ruth King reflects on bias and the path to true freedom.
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Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Via CNNBrasil

 


Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation // Words of Wisdom - June 26, 2024 💌

 

Your awareness and my awareness are God’s awareness. If you are lodged in your awareness and I am in my awareness, there is only one awareness in the room.

- Ram Dass

Via Daily Dharma: A Refuge of Your Own

 

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A Refuge of Your Own

What an extraordinary privilege to know that you have within you a refuge that nobody can ever touch. Nobody can take it away from you.

Helen Tworkov, “A Refuge That No One Can Touch” 


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‘This Mind Itself Is Buddha’
By Yamada Mumon Roshi, Translated by Norman Waddell
Learn the Pure Land origins of one of Soto Zen’s most penetrating teaching phrases.
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Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from Harsh Speech

 



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)

How does there come to be insistence on local language and overriding of normal usage? In different localities they call the same thing by different words. So whatever they call it in such and such a locality, one speaks accordingly, firmly adhering to that word and insisting: “Only this is correct; anything else is wrong.” (MN 139)
Reflection
One way of refraining from harsh speech is to be adaptable to different modes of speech and not insist on your own particular way of stating things. In ancient India the Buddha moved from one region to another and encountered local variations of dialect. Today also we often move in different circles and encounter different populations, and it would help facilitate effective communication if we remained flexible in our speech.

Daily Practice
Try as a practice reframing your own thoughts and words in the vernacular of another. Today this seems especially important. Each person and each community has their own particular way of perceiving and expressing things, and we can only learn from each other if we are open to different modes of speech. Notice when you restate something said by another, perhaps diminishing their voice, and learn not to do this.

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.



Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning.

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

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Via UFOP.BR

 


Via NPR // What one religion in South Korea is doing to attract new followers

 


Via Daily Dharma: Presence and Ancestors

 

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Presence and Ancestors

Our ancestors are present in us in every moment. Touching the present means to touch our ancestors.

Kaira Jewel Lingo, “The Stream of Our Ancestors”  


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Mara and the Devil
By Frederick M. Ranallo-Higgins
Exploring the similarities between Buddhist “hindrances” and Christian “temptations,” the habits of mind that are buried deep in the bedrock of our being.
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