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 upon that same verbal action thus: “Is this action I am doing with speech an unhealthy bodily action with painful consequences and painful results?” If, upon reflection, you know that it is, then stop doing it; if you know that it is not, then continue. (MN 61)

Reflection Speech is a form of action, and all actions have their consequences. Using mindfulness as a kind of mirror, pay attention to the effect your verbal actions have on those you speak to, as well as the effect they have on your own mental and emotional states. If you detect that people are being harmed by what you say, or if you notice your own mood turning toward the unhelpful spectrum, then stop saying what you are saying. Daily Practice A careful speaker is consciously aware of what they are saying while they are speaking and also takes notice of how their words are affecting others. Practice speaking carefully. It takes some extra effort to both compose your words and reflect upon them, as with a mirror, but it is worthwhile effort. Words are like seeds, and as the discourse reminds us, “However the seed is planted, in that way the fruit is gathered.” 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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Daily Dharma: What Lies Within

 

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What Lies Within There is within you that which is beyond birth and death, beyond success and failure. It just knows that you are, and it is. Yoshin David Radin, “Left Foot, Right Foot” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Embracing Personal Responsibility in The Parable of the Good Physician By Mark Herrick In Chapter Sixteen of the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha teaches that we can be saved only by our own efforts. Read more » Rebel for Life Directed by Wouter Verhoeven September’s film is available now! “Rebel for Life,” directed by Wouter Verhoeven is a powerful story about climate activism, the spirit of community, and the future of life on Earth. At the center of this engaging story is Vishal, a young hospital doctor turned climate activist, trained in mindfulness and peaceful activism in Plum Village, France.  Watch now »

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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) If anyone should speak in disparagement of something, you should not be angry, resentful, or upset on that account. If you were to be angry or displeased that would only be an impediment to you, and then you could not recognize whether what they say is rightly said or not rightly said. If others should speak in disparagement of something, then you are to explain what is incorrect as being incorrect. (DN 1)

Reflection Speech is a two-way street, and the practice of right speech includes the ability to listen well in addition to speaking well. When you are the recipient of malicious speech—words that are intended to attack and wound and induce anger in you—it is a practice in itself to resist the temptation to take offense and lash out with your own malicious speech. Equanimity is the tool to use here, allowing you to not take things personally. Daily Practice Practice listening to the words of others, especially those that are critical of you or that disagree with opinions you hold dear, without taking them personally. Notice when the reflex of self-defense rears up; notice how it inclines you to resist what is being said and even to want to attack the person saying it—and then use the power of equanimity to regard the content objectively, without being automatically triggered into aversion. 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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Via Daily Dharma: The Wisdom of Silence

 

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The Wisdom of Silence There’s something about silence—it’s like being in the eye of a hurricane. When we can be still, when we’re not trying to figure it out, there’s a knowing and an intuition that we can connect with. George Mumford, “Starting from Silence” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

A Savior on Earth By Soga Ryōjin A Jodo Shinshu priest reflects on the true meaning of faith in the story of Dharmakara Bodhisattva. Read more » Rebel for Life Directed by Wouter Verhoeven September’s film is available now! “Rebel for Life,” directed by Wouter Verhoeven is a powerful story about climate activism, the spirit of community, and the future of life on Earth. At the center of this engaging story is Vishal, a young hospital doctor turned climate activist, trained in mindfulness and peaceful activism in Plum Village, France.  Watch now »