Via Daily Dharma: Friends Who Encourage

 

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Friends Who Encourage Our spiritual friends might be able to see what we have not yet let go of and find the right way to encourage us. Thus, it can be useful, at the right time, to reveal to our spiritual friends where we are stuck. Kim Allen, “Thank You for Your Great Effort” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

Our Scholarly Recommendations of 2025 By the Editors Check out the academic books that shaped this year’s conversation on Buddhism and culture.  Read more » Tricycle Is Now on Substack A new space for conversation, connection, and community Join us on Substack today to meet other readers, chat with editors, and take part in ongoing conversations about practice and daily life. Sign up » Follow Us Forward today's wisdom to a friend »

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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 on that same verbal action thus: "Does this action I am doing with speech 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 Speaking is a form of action, and depending on the context, it can have far-reaching consequences. This is especially true when our words are printed, broadcast, or digitally shared with the wider world. This text is encouraging us to be aware of what we are saying as we are saying it. Speaking reflectively, can you notice when your words are causing harm to yourself or others and just stop what you are saying? Daily Practice We are familiar with mindfulness of the body and mindfulness of mental objects, but what about mindfulness of speech? This is not one of the formal four foundations of mindfulness, but it is no less an opportunity for practice. Try, for a start, to speak slower and more deliberately and notice the difference from when the words seem to tumble out on their own. Speech is something we do, so let’s do it mindfully. 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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Via Daily Dharma: Engage with the World

 

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Engage with the World Our entire biological structure is designed for engagement with the world. Every sense organ is a gateway for encounter, and through this exchange, we achieve a greater definition of who we are.  Francis Weller, “The Refuge of Place” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

Tricycle’s Favorite Books of the Year By the Editors Enjoy teachings on becoming yourself, Japanese waka, words from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and more in our favorite Buddhist titles from 2025.  Read more » Tricycle Is Now on Substack A new space for conversation, connection, and community Join us on Substack today to meet other readers, chat with editors, and take part in ongoing conversations about practice and daily life. Sign up » Follow Us Forward today's wisdom to a friend »

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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 true or untrue. . . .  One is to train thus: "My mind will be unaffected, and I shall utter no bad words; I shall abide with compassion for their welfare, with a mind of lovingkindness, without inner hate." (MN 21)

Reflection These days, it seems we are surrounded by malicious speech. So much speech is intended to divide, to insult, and to vent anger and frustration. We do not need to participate in this, however alluring it may seem at times. We can choose to work in the other direction, speaking in ways that unite people and promote concord. As you become sensitized to this, its healthy benefits become increasingly apparent. Daily Practice It is hard to remain equanimous when you know people are lying to you. "But still they do what’s hard to do," the Buddha said in the face of this. To resist the reflex to strike back and instead respond with kindness and compassion is a difficult practice. Yet it can be done. Regardless of the facts on the table, the quality of our own response in any situation is the measure of our wisdom and understanding.  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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