Friday, September 13, 2024

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given


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RIGHT LIVING
Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Taking What is Not Given
Taking what is not given is unhealthy. Refraining from taking what is not given is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning the taking of what is not given, one abstains from taking what is not given; one does not take by way of theft the wealth and property of others. (MN 41) One practices thus: “Others may take what is not given, but I will abstain from taking what is not given.” (MN 8)

On touching a bodily sensation with the body, one does not grasp at its signs and features. Since if one left the body faculty unguarded, unwholesome states of covetousness and grief might intrude, one practices the way of its restraint, guards the body faculty, and undertakes the restraint of the body faculty. (MN 51)
Reflection
The sense of touch is so basic, so intimate, and so alluring a feature of embodied existence that we generally cannot help reaching for what feels good and recoiling from what feels bad. Yet by doing this we are in a way taking more than is given, as we try to leverage the raw sensations and manipulate the next moment into something more favorable for us. This is, in fact, the source of most of our problems.

Daily Practice
Practice regarding the physical sensations that constantly flow from your body to your mind with detached curiosity. Some feel good, some feel bad—interesting! Resist trying to shape the next moment into something other than what it will naturally become by grasping for more gratification or pushing away any discomfort. This ability to be with what is, rather than yearning for something else, eliminates most suffering.

Tomorrow: Abandoning Arisen Unhealthy States
One week from today: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures

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

 

Via Daily Dharma: Aiming for Peace and Liberation

 

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Aiming for Peace and Liberation

Take stock of the reasons you give yourself for engaging in activities that take you away from your aim to be at peace and attain liberation. Resolve to return, again and again, to those actions that will help you along the path.

Vanessa Zuisei Goddard, “Pocket Paramis: Determination”


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Drawing Our Impermanence
By Charlie Vázquez
How a creative mindfulness program is helping NYC-based seniors to live a second life.
Read more »

Via White Crane Institute -- ALAIN LOCKE

 This Day in Gay History

September 13

Born
Alain Locke
1886 -

ALAIN LOCKE (d: 1954) An American writer, editor, philosopher, educator and patron of the arts was born on this date. He is best known for his writings on and about the Harlem Renaissance. He is unofficially called the "Father of the Harlem Renaissance." His philosophy served as a strong motivating force in keeping the energy and passion of the Movement at the forefront.

In classic same-sex “culture carrier” mode, Locke promoted African American artists, writers, and musicians, encouraging them to look to Africa as an inspiration for their works. He encouraged them to depict African and African American subjects, and to draw on their history for subject material. Locke edited the March 1925 issue of the periodical Survey Graphic, a special on Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance, which helped educate white readers about the flourishing culture there.

Later that year, he expanded the issue into The New Negro, a collection of writings by African Americans, which would become one of his best known and seminal works.

His philosophy of the New Negro was grounded in the concept of race-building. Its most important component is overall awareness of the potential black equality; No longer would blacks allow themselves to adjust themselves or comply with unreasonable white requests. This idea was based on self-confidence and political awareness. Although in the past the laws regarding equality had been ignored without consequence, Locke's philosophical idea of The New Negro allowed for real fair treatment. Because this was just an idea and not an actual bylaw, its power was held in the people. If they wanted this idea to flourish, they were the ones who would need to "enforce" it through their actions and overall points of view. Locke has been said to have greatly influenced and encouraged Zora Neale Hurston.


Thursday, September 12, 2024

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Action: Reflecting upon Verbal Action

 


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RIGHT ACTION
Reflecting Upon Verbal 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 verbal action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61)

When you are doing an action with speech, reflect upon that same verbal action thus: “Is this action I am doing with speech an unhealthy bodily action with painful consequences and painful results?” If, upon reflection, you know that it is, then stop doing it; if you know that it is not, then continue. (MN 61)
Reflection
Speech is a form of action, and all actions have their consequences. Using mindfulness as a kind of mirror, pay attention to the effect your verbal actions have on those you speak to, as well as the effect they have on your own mental and emotional states. If you detect that people are being harmed by what you say, or if you notice your own mood turning toward the unhelpful spectrum, then stop saying what you are saying.

Daily Practice
A careful speaker is consciously aware of what they are saying while they are speaking and also takes notice of how their words are affecting others. Practice speaking carefully. It takes some extra effort to both compose your words and reflect upon them, as with a mirror, but it is worthwhile effort. Words are like seeds, and as the discourse reminds us, “However the seed is planted, in that way the fruit is gathered.”

Tomorrow: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given
One week from today: Reflecting upon Mental Action

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

Daily Dharma: What Lies Within

 

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What Lies Within

There is within you that which is beyond birth and death, beyond success and failure. It just knows that you are, and it is.

Yoshin David Radin, “Left Foot, Right Foot”


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Embracing Personal Responsibility in The Parable of the Good Physician
By Mark Herrick
In Chapter Sixteen of the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha teaches that we can be saved only by our own efforts.
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Rebel for Life
Directed by Wouter Verhoeven
September’s film is available now! “Rebel for Life,” directed by Wouter Verhoeven is a powerful story about climate activism, the spirit of community, and the future of life on Earth. At the center of this engaging story is Vishal, a young hospital doctor turned climate activist, trained in mindfulness and peaceful activism in Plum Village, France. 
Watch now »

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

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