Friday, March 15, 2024

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Intoxication

 


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RIGHT LIVING
Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Intoxication
Intoxication is unhealthy. Refraining from intoxication is healthy. (MN 9) What are the imperfections that defile the mind? Negligence is an imperfection that defiles the mind. Knowing that negligence is an imperfection that defiles the mind, a person abandons it. (MN 7) One practices thus: "Others may become negligent by intoxication, but I will abstain from the negligence of intoxication." (MN 8)

One of the dangers attached to addiction to intoxicants is loss of good name. (DN 31)
Reflection
Negligence can seem harmless enough in some minor cases, but often it has serious consequences. When we are not paying adequate attention, people can get hurt. The opposite of negligence—diligence or attentiveness—is a cardinal Buddhist virtue. This is partly because of the care for life that we have seen expressed in many places. Committing to abstain from intoxication is a gift of harmlessness we give to others.

Daily Practice
On the practical side, this text is pointing out the loss of reputation that so often accompanies any kind of addiction or habitual intoxication. A person who has a compulsive habit simply cannot be trusted and will usually demonstrate this in potentially harmful ways. If you are generally attentive, acknowledge that your friends and family trust you, and take pride in your good reputation. It’s okay to do so.

Tomorrow: Maintaining Arisen Healthy States
One week from today: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings

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Questions?
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Via Daily Dharma: Sangha Is a Treasure

 

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Sangha Is a Treasure 

The sangha is the treasure of our greatest yearning, for it provides all of us with a sense of belonging as well as a safe haven; a foundation from which to grow and develop; a way to commit to excellence in practice; and above all, a connection to the heart of compassion.

Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin, “Our Common Thread”


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Talking ‘Tukdam’ with Documentary Filmmaker Donagh Coleman
Tricycle interviews Donagh Coleman
Ahead of the film’s screening at our upcoming 10-Day Buddhist Film Festival, Tricycle spoke with director Donagh Coleman about the movie’s inception, the valleys between Tibetan Buddhist belief and Western medicine, and the possibility of a sequel. 
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Thursday, March 14, 2024

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Action: Reflecting upon Social Action

 

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RIGHT ACTION
Reflecting Upon Social 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 social action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61)

One reflects thus: "Others may act in unhealthy ways; I shall refrain from acting in unhealthy ways." (MN 8) One lives with companions in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes. One practices thus: "I maintain bodily acts of lovingkindness toward my companions both openly and privately." (MN 31)
Reflection
So much of what we think, say, and do affects the people around us. It is important to bring awareness and care to our social interactions. When we “view each other with kindly eyes,” it is natural and easy to be thoughtful. It is often the little things we do that have a big effect on maintaining harmony among friends, family, and co-workers.
Daily Practice
One simple way to practice living with others in harmony is to do kindly acts for them from time to time. Today, actively look for ways to do little things with the intention of pleasing someone. And don’t necessarily feel the need for such deeds to be acknowledged. Much value comes from performing acts of kindness in private. Take it up as a challenge—finding creative ways to do something nice for someone, even in secret.
Tomorrow: Abstaining from Intoxication
One week from today: Reflecting upon Bodily 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.
© 2024 Tricycle Foundation
89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Via Daily Dharma: Conditioning Our Actions

 

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Conditioning Our Actions

Actions conditioned by greed, hatred, and delusion bring a heavy burden of suffering. On the other hand, actions conditioned by generosity, lovingkindness, and wisdom lead to a light and happy sense of well-being. Simple as that. 

Vaddhaka Linn, “Does Self-Help Help?”


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Trauma-Informed Mindfulness through a Neuroscience Lens
Jo-ann Rosen interviewed by Sharon Aschaiek 
A psychotherapist and Plum Village teacher on using Buddhist practice to find a balance between safety and transcendence. 
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Buddhist Film Festival
Presented by Tricycle
March 15-24, 2024
We invite you to join us for our first-ever Buddhist Film Festival from March 15-24, offering five feature-length films, five short films, and a live screening and Q&A with filmmaker Lana Wilson!
Get your ticket »
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