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: “Does this action I am doing with speech lead to 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 Much of the speech we utter just comes out, without a lot of forethought. This is the kind of speech that often gets us in trouble or causes harm to others. If we miss the opportunity to reflect on what we are going to say before we say it, we have another chance to notice what we are saying as we are saying it. Take advantage of this and pay attention to what you are saying. Listen to yourself as you speak to others. Daily Practice Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of what you are doing in the present moment, and this can apply to speech as well as bodily and mental action. By becoming aware of what you are saying as you are saying it, you are able to access the ability to reflect on whether it is causing harm to others or yourself. If you find you are saying anything hurtful, just stop. Find another way of saying what you have to say. 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.

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Three Teachings: Making Big Life Decisions

 

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March 27, 2025 Buddhist Wisdom on Making Big Decisions Do you ever feel paralyzed in the face of a big decision? So worried about the potential consequences that you can’t focus on the facts at hand, and then get turned around by overthinking?  In today’s world, the paradox of choice can be overwhelming. Buddhist wisdom would have us start with ourselves to find the clarity and moral framework to move forward. This means turning inward, practicing mindfulness, and letting answers arise. It means learning to respond, rather than react, and finding answers from the heart that have been there all along.  As meditation teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo writes, following the guidance of her teacher, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, “Deeper life questions can’t be resolved at the level of the mind but must be entrusted to a different, deeper part of our consciousness.” This week’s Three Teachings offers three paths for finding, rather than forcing, an opening and a path forward on big or difficult decisions. For more on this topic, download Tricycle’s Daily Dharma app and find our Buddhist Guide to Making Big Life Decisions. Forward today's teachings to a friend » Trusting the Unknown By Kaira Jewel Lingo Read about the power of pausing, looking deeply, and letting your consciousness take time to find a way forward in this teaching by dharma teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo. Read more » Opening to Freedom With Sharon Salzberg Listen to a podcast episode with meditation teacher and author Sharon Salzberg explaining how breaking free of our habitual patterns presents a life of spaciousness and freedom. Listen now » How to Make a Decision When There Are No Good Choices By Yael Schonbrun See how the practices of acceptance, mindfulness, and clarifying values can help us navigate seemingly impossible situations in this teaching by clinical psychologist Yael Schonbrun. Read more »

Via Daily Dharma: Do Good Now

 

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Do Good Now Whatever goodness we’re capable of doing, we should do now, when we have the opportunity, because the opportunity won’t always be there. Thanissaro Bhikkhu, “Heedfulness Is Auspicious” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

You Have to Get Wet By Les Kaye Zen cannot be understood from the shore—you have to step in and experience it for yourself. Read more »

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Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from Malicious Speech

 

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RIGHT SPEECH Refraining from Malicious Speech Malicious speech is unhealthy. Refraining from malicious speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning malicious speech, one refrains from malicious speech. One does not repeat there what one has heard here to the detriment of these, or repeat here what he has heard there to the detriment of those. One unites those who are divided, is a promoter of friendships, and speaks words that promote concord. (DN 1) One practices thus: “Others may speak maliciously, but I shall abstain from malicious speech." (MN 8) When others address you, their speech may be with a mind of lovingkindness or with inner hate … One is to train thus: “My mind will be unaffected, and I shall utter no bad words; I shall abide compassionate for their welfare, with a mind of lovingkindness, without inner hate.” (MN 21)

Reflection Words are one thing, and the emotion or intention behind them is another. What matters more than the content of what is said is how it is said, the quality of mind behind the words. You can say, “I hope you have a nice day” with benevolent good will, or you can say the exact same thing with a voice that is dripping with sarcasm and venom. We all know the difference when on the receiving end of such speech. Daily Practice It is an advanced practice to receive malicious speech—words uttered with some degree of hatred—and not return the same emotion. It is an even more challenging practice to respond with kindness, yet it can be done. Practice this today, all day. Even if someone addresses you maliciously, make a point of not letting it evoke malice from you. See if everything you say today can be said with the underlying emotion of kindness. Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Verbal Action One week from today: Refraining from Harsh Speech Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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