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 on that same mental action thus: "Does this action I am doing with the mind lead to my own affliction?" If, on reflection, you know that it does, then stop doing it; if you know that it does not, then continue. (MN 61)

Reflection The body has a natural capacity for proprioception, for knowing what it is doing as it is doing it. What about the mind? How often do we know what we are thinking as we are thinking it? Not often, it appears. Mindfulness of the body is being aware of the body while breathing, for example. Mindfulness of mind is being aware of the activities of the mind as they are unfolding. This takes some getting used to, but it can be done. Daily Practice This particular text is encouraging us to notice the ethical quality of our mental activity and in particular whether it contributes to some sort of self-harm. Sometimes we are our own worst critic, our own most undermining voice, our own adversary. When we pay close attention to what the mind is doing, we can catch it in the act of hurting us and gently let go of that in order to point the mind in a more positive direction. 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: Take a Step, then a Breath

 

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Take a Step, then a Breath Mindfulness emphasizes stopping and pausing in daily life so that we can be fully present in each moment. Through pausing, we can learn to release tension in the body, embrace our experience, and cultivate happiness and joy. Valerie Brown, “‘The Teachings Are Alive in Us’” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

How to Sit—And Why It Matters By Will Johnson In this excerpt from the classic guidebook The Posture of Meditation, author Will Johnson details the best posture for meditation and why it’s so important. Read more »

Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation // Words of Wisdom - January 8, 2025 💠

 

"There are a variety of ways of doing meditation. Some people do calligraphy as a form of meditation. A lot of artists describe that besides the aesthetic and the technical stuff, that when they get beyond that, often they go into an altered state of consciousness when they are doing their art. So it’s possible that there is a form of meditation that you might find suitable other than pure sitting meditation. On the other hand, sitting meditation has cleanness about it in that it really shows you continuously where you aren’t. It shows you where you are agitated; it shows you how much stuff you have got in your mind that you’re grabbing onto. So I find it a very basic tool. What I find is that the quieter my mind is, the closer I feel to Maharaji."

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Via Daily Dharma: The Ripples of Everyday Actions

 

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The Ripples of Everyday Actions

Whatever we do creates certain mental impressions, which in turn produce karmic residues that later come to fruition when the appropriate causes and conditions are present. Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche, “Karma and Rebirth” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

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 says: "All those engaged in the pursuit of the enjoyment of sensual pleasures have entered the wrong way," one thus disparages some. But when one says instead, "The pursuit of the enjoyment of sensual pleasures is a state beset by suffering, and it is the wrong way," then one is not disparaging anyone but simply stating the truth. (MN 139)

Reflection Right speech does not mean always telling people what they want to hear. Often difficult truths need to be spoken, but there are skillful and unskillful ways of doing this. In this passage we are instructed on the implications of invoking the sense of self. Instead of disparaging others by using an agent noun ("They are such a liar"), simply speak the truth by pointing out their actions (“They have told a lie”) rather than rebuking the self.  Daily Practice Practice critiquing the words or actions of a person rather than the person. Instead of calling a person rude, point out the rude thing they have said or done. It is a small but important distinction. Whenever people feel attacked, it brings out the tendency to counterattack. When their actions are called out instead, it leaves them room to change their behavior. 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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Via BUDDHIST GEEKS PARTNERS // The Jhāna Community

The Jhāna Community Mastering the Art of Jhāna Applications are open in January, 2025 for new members interested to exploring the practices of shamatha, metta, and/or vipassana jhāna to do so along with experienced teachers & dedicated peers. Learn more »

Via Daily Dharma: Expressions of Samadhi

 

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Expressions of Samadhi Samadhi is actualization; it is expression. It is the night when a hand reaches back, groping for a pillow.  Eihei Dogen Zenji, “Ocean Mudra Samadhi” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

What We’re Listening To By the Editors Explore our roundup of a Dharma Talk, podcast, and music that no Buddhist listener should miss.  Read more » Diversity Plaza Directed by Kesang Tseten Explore the vibrant lives of up to 75,000 Himalayans in Jackson Heights, Queens—the most linguistically diverse zip code in the U.S. Our latest Film Club pick directed by Kesang Tseten reveals how these communities honor their traditions while embracing new lives in America. Watch now »