Friday, November 14, 2025

Via Daily Dharma: The Gift of Freedom

 

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The Gift of Freedom

The script is not fixed. It has infinite possibilities, albeit each with varying probabilities. And we have an incredible gift: the freedom to choose our perspective, the way we see.

Nikki Mirghafori, “Dreaming Together” 


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‘Still in Love with Life’ and Other Poems
By Larry Ward
Celebrate the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Larry Ward with this selection of his posthumous poetry. 
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Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures

 

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RIGHT LIVING
Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures 
Sensual misconduct is unhealthy. Refraining from sensual misconduct is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning sensual misconduct, one abstains from misbehaving among sensual pleasures. (MN 41) One practices thus: “Others may engage in sensual misconduct, but I will abstain from sensual misconduct.” (MN 8)
Reflection
There are so many ways it is possible to misbehave among sensual pleasures. Anything that feels good has the power to seduce us, and it does not take much for us to want more and more of almost anything. It is not that such pleasures are bad or evil, just that the pursuit of them can expand out of proportion and distort our behavior. It is empowering to understand this and temper our relationship to pleasure accordingly.
Daily Practice
Notice when something feels pleasurable and examine the texture of that sensation closely. Then let it go, as all transitory episodes of experience will inevitably cease. It is okay to welcome pleasure into your house as a guest, so to speak, as long as you also escort it to the door and wave goodbye when the time comes. It is when we chase after pleasure or try to hold on to it that we are in danger of misbehaving. 
Tomorrow: Developing Unarisen Healthy States
One week from today: Abstaining from Intoxication

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If by Rudyard Kipling - Read by Sir Michael Caine

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Via Daily Dharma: The Ultimate Truth

 

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The Ultimate Truth

The ultimate truth transcends all kinds of notions, including notions of being and nonbeing, birth and death, coming and going. If you don’t let go of these notions, you can never touch the ultimate.

Thich Nhat Hanh, “Birth and Death in Every Moment”


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The Dalai Lama’s Lasting Message
Kami Nguyen in conversation with Tencho Gyatso and Barbara Miller
The director of The Dalai Lama’s new film, Wisdom of Happiness, and Tibetan activist Tencho Gyatso speak about the film and the role of women in Tibetan Buddhism.
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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)
Reflection
To be alive is to take action every moment. Even when we are not moving our bodies or speaking out loud, our minds are always doing something. (You may have noticed this in the meditation hall.) Moreover, what the mind does in one moment sets the stage for what it will do the next moment. This is why it is so important to be consciously aware of what is happening in your mind—that allows you to direct the process somewhat.
Daily Practice
Develop the habit of noticing what your mind is doing as it does it. And when appropriate, do not be shy about consciously directing what actions your mind undertakes. If you are in the grips of an unhealthy state, do what you can to abandon it. If a healthy mental or emotional state is arising, work on maintaining it. Plant your seeds carefully, and you will harvest healthy fruit. Good things come from right action.
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.
Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning.
© 2025 Tricycle Foundation
89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003