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 speaks unhurriedly, one’s body does not grow tired and one’s mind does not become excited, one’s voice is not strained and one’s throat does not become hoarse. The speech of one who speaks unhurriedly is distinct and easy to understand. (MN 139)

Reflection The previous text on right speech emphasized the drawbacks of speaking hurriedly, and this one reverses the focus and speaks to the benefits of taking your time when you have something to say. This can seem out of touch with the pace of modern life, but does that mean we should ignore this advice to fit in with the times? Might it be better to be guided by these wise words and learn to slow down how we communicate? Daily Practice How much of the stress in your experience comes from speaking too fast or trying to follow the speech of others who are speaking at a mile a minute? Notice, by paying attention, when this happens and make a conscious effort to slow down the pace of your own speech. This can have the effect of slowing down the people you talk with as well. You don’t have to be swept along by the speaking habits of others.  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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From Hookups to Heart Circles: Building Intentional Community for Gay Men

Via Daily Dharma: Extending Tenderness

 

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Extending Tenderness As you extend tenderness to others, you may also begin to recognize how it brings out tenderness in them. Life begins to look more like a mother gazing at her infant child with deep adoration. Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, “Nurturing the Intelligent Heart” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

American Zen Retold By David Guy This review of Ben Van Overmeire's American Koan: Imagining Zen and Self in Autobiographical Literature explores how koans and autobiographical narratives reveal the evolution of Zen practice in America. Read more »

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Intention: Cultivating Appreciative Joy

 

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RIGHT INTENTION Cultivating Appreciative Joy Whatever you intend, whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will become the basis upon which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop meditation on appreciative joy, for when you develop meditation on appreciative joy, any discontent will be abandoned. (MN 62)  Appreciative joy fails when it produces amusement. (Vm 9.95)

Reflection The emotion indicated by the term appreciative joy is a deep one and is to be distinguished from mere amusement. Noticing the success of others is not a momentary lift; you are allowing yourself to be profoundly moved by the beneficial aspects of life that do not center on yourself. Once we open to all the ways others have good things happen to them, this becomes a boundless source of our own good feelings. Daily Practice Cultivate appreciative joy at every opportunity. Get in the habit of noticing the good things that happen around you, not as they relate to your own gain but as they affect and benefit others. Being happy about other people being happy is a practice in itself. It is good to loosen the habit of always relating what you see to yourself and to develop an appreciation for the perspective of others. Feel the joy you experience from this. Tomorrow: Refraining from Harsh Speech One week from today: Cultivating Equanimity Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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Via Dhamma Wheel | Right View: Understanding the Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering

 

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RIGHT VIEW Understanding the Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering What is the cessation of suffering? It is the remainderless fading away and ceasing, the giving up, relinquishing, letting go, and rejecting of craving. (MN 9) When one knows and sees material form as it actually is, then one is not attached to material form. When one abides unattached, one is not infatuated, and one’s craving is abandoned. One’s bodily and mental troubles are abandoned, and one experiences bodily and mental well-being. (MN 149)

Reflection We live in a material world, and contact with material things makes up a great deal of our experience. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The issue is whether we allow ourselves to become infatuated with these things, or if instead we are able to “abide unattached” as we make use of them. Knowing ultimately that material objects are impermanent and will change frees us from the suffering attachment to them can bring. Daily Practice Notice that you suffer in direct proportion to the amount of attachment you have to a material object. If something you care little about gets damaged, it is no big deal, right? But if something precious to you breaks, it can be the cause of great distress. Practice reminding yourself of everything you touch, This is fragile; it cannot last; it will pass away eventually. That sounds depressing, but it can be liberating. Tomorrow: Cultivating Appreciative Joy One week from today: Understanding the Noble Truth of the Way to the Cessation of Suffering 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: Death Is a Friend

 

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Death Is a Friend Every ending is also a beginning, and death must lead someplace, perhaps back to life. And, of course, we know that without death for a comparison, there would be no such thing as life. Death is indeed one of our best friends.  Wes Nisker, “Making Friends with Death” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

A New Buddhist Canon By Donald S. Lopez Jr. Translation doesn’t merely preserve traditions; it creates them. Read more »

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