Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Effort: Developing Unarisen Healthy States

 

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RIGHT EFFORT Developing Unarisen Healthy States Whatever a person frequently thinks about and ponders, that will become the inclination of their mind. If one frequently thinks about and ponders healthy states, one has abandoned unhealthy states to cultivate healthy states, and then one’s mind inclines to healthy states. (MN 19) Here a person rouses the will, makes an effort, stirs up energy, exerts the mind, and strives to develop the arising of unarisen healthy mental states. One develops the unarisen investigation of states awakening factor. (MN 141)

Reflection Here right effort is defined as actively encouraging the better aspects of our character to emerge from unconscious potential to conscious embodiment. We are all capable of kindness, for example. Why not try more often to be kind? We are capable of wisdom; let’s actively try to encourage it. This suggests that happiness—the regular manifestation of healthy mental and emotional states—is something we can make happen through effort. Daily Practice The positive mental state singled out in this passage is the second factor of awakening, called the investigation of states. When mindfulness is present, it is natural that the mind takes great interest in experience and investigates its mental and emotional states carefully. See what it feels like to be curious about the detailed textures of your experience and see what you can do to evoke and support this sense of regularly looking closely at your mental states. Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Mind and Abiding in the Third Jhāna One week from today: Maintaining Arisen Healthy States Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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Via Tricycle \\\ Meditation Month Day 9

 

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PRACTICE PROMPT Embrace your don’t-know mind.   Adopt the attitude of “don’t-know mind” today. Notice the moments when you rush toward an answer or toward certainty. What is it like to rest in the freshness of not knowing? As certainty relaxes, does the world feel more alive and open? Let this not-knowing be soft and receptive. In this openness, experience can unfold on its own, without being filtered through what you already know.

Related Content Trusting the Unknown Dharma teacher and former monastic Kaira Jewel Lingo reflects on opening to the unknown in an excerpt from her book We Were Made for These Times. Read more » Only Go Straight In excerpted teachings, Seon master Seung Sahn guides students to the don’t-know mind.   Read more » Follow Us

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Via Daily Dharma: Intuitive Faith

 

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Intuitive Faith Faith is intuitive, it’s primordial, it’s something that we’re born with. It’s not something that we can go and learn about. We cultivate it and we continue to fine-tune it as we deepen in our practice. Leslie Booker, “The Power of Faith” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

Give It Next Time By Zeenat Potia The humble coconut offers a lesson in generosity and appreciation. Read more »  The Joy of the Dhamma A Special Event with Bhante Buddharakkhita Join Tricycle and New York Insight in-person or online for a rare opportunity to practice with a senior monastic teacher whose life and teaching embody the dharma in both formal meditation and community life, integrating inner practice with ethical action, service, and collective care. Sign up now » Follow Us Forward today's wisdom to a friend »

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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) A person reflects thus: "If someone were to commit adultery with my partner, that would not be pleasing and agreeable to me. Now if I were to commit adultery with the partner of another, that would not be pleasing and agreeable to the other. How can I inflict on another what is displeasing and disagreeable to me?" Having reflected thus, one abstains from sexual misconduct, exhorts others to abstain from it, and speaks in praise of abstinence from it. (SN 55.7)

Reflection The practical definition of the precept against sexual misbehavior is defined in the context of householder or layperson life as fidelity or honesty in relationships. When an intimate partnership (of any gender combination) involves a mutual promise of exclusivity, this is to be respected. Cheating involves causing hurt and not being truthful, both of which are inherently unhealthy and harmful. Daily Practice Relationships are a rich area for daily practice. This text invites us to explore the application of the Golden Rule in relationships, in both large and small ways. It emphasizes that a pledge of fidelity works both ways and that there are also countless minor instances of abuse of trust and integrity that can come under the gaze of awareness. Look to see if there is anything you do, however small, that you would not want your partner to do. Tomorrow: Developing Unarisen Healthy States One week from today: Abstaining from Intoxication Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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Now It's Different (Gay Short Film) Pride Love Stories

SHAFTED: An Unexpected Romance 🏆 LGBT Short Film - AWARD WINNING