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) Relationships are of two kinds: to be cultivated and not to be cultivated. Such relationships as cause, in one who cultivates them, unhealthy states to increase and healthy states to diminish, such relationships are not to be cultivated. But such relationships as cause, in one who cultivates them, unhealthy states to diminish and healthy states to increase, such relationships are to be cultivated. (MN 114)

Reflection As with so many other aspects of our lives, the relationships we foster and the company we keep can be considered healthy or unhealthy, based on whether or not they help us see more clearly and whether they bring about more or less suffering. Since we influence one another so significantly, it is important for our own well-being to nurture healthy relationships and steer away from those that are unhealthy. Daily Practice See for yourself whether any particular relationship in your life is predominantly healthy or unhealthy. Do this not by some sort of conceptual analysis but by noticing whether states of yearning, resentment, and confusion increase or decrease when you are engaged with this person. Also note whether states of sharing, caring, and understanding increase or decrease. This is the actual measure of health or unhealth in relationships. 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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Via Daily Dharma: Relating to Stillness

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Relating to Stillness Stillness is the ground of movement. Movement has meaning only in relation to stillness. Bhikkhu Santi, “Lighten Up” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

To Kill a Cat By Jundo Cohen Consoling a sick friend, a Zen teacher untangles our separate self-existence using a famous thought experiment of a hypothetical cat unobserved in a black box.  Read more »

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) When you wish to do an action with the mind, reflect upon that same mental action thus: "Would this action I wish to do with the mind lead to the affliction of another?" If, upon reflection, you know that it would, then do not do it; if you know that it would not, then proceed. (MN 61)

Reflection It is the nature of living beings to act. Every moment some sort of action is called for. Even when we are physically remaining still and silent, the mind is acting. Even deciding not to act is a mental act. Much of the time it seems as if our mind is thinking us, rather than we are thinking our mind. But with heightened awareness it is possible to open up more space for influencing with our intention the direction our mind takes.     Daily Practice This teaching is inviting us to participate in our mental life with some sort of awareness and freedom of choice. Notice thoughts arising and passing away much as you would watch bodily sensations arise and pass away. As you become more aware of your intentions, examine whether they are healthy or unhealthy, helpful or unhelpful. See if you can at least catch up with your mind—and maybe even get a step ahead of it.  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.

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Via Daily Dharma: Prioritizing the Present

 

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Prioritizing the Present  The future is an illusion, the past is now a dream, and the only reality we have access to is the present. Mark Coleman, “Why Are We So Hard on Ourselves?” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

The Sacred Polyester of Tibetan Khata Interview with Dr. Huatse Gyal by Karen Jensen Once made from wool, these highly symbolic textiles are now frequently made of polyester—and quickly polluting the planet. Tricycle speaks with anthropologist Huatse Gyal about their various meanings, history, and the conundrum of religious waste.  Read more »

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Via Daily Dharma: Buddhas Everywhere

 

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Buddhas Everywhere  Everything around us has the opportunity and the capacity to appear in the form of the Buddha. Satya Robyn, “On Wanting to Sound Good”  CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Compassion on a Global Scale Rick Hanson interviewed by Ronn Smith Dr. Rick Hanson, who launched The Global Compassion Coalition (GCC) in 2022, has assembled a substantial group of like-minded individuals and organizations in support of what he sees as essential for the future of our planet. Read more »