A personal blog by a graying (mostly Anglo with light African-American roots) gay left leaning liberal progressive married college-educated Buddhist Baha'i BBC/NPR-listening Professor Emeritus now following the Dharma in Minas Gerais, Brasil.
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 through intoxication, but I will abstain from the negligence of intoxication.” (MN 8)
Reflection
An intoxicated mind is a negligent mind, no matter what toxin it is under the influence of. Whether alcohol, drugs, misinformation, bigotry, conceit, illusion, or some other harmful influence, all act to distort the functioning of the mind and obscure its capacity to see clearly, thus contributing directly to suffering. Right living requires an honest assessment of and strong commitment to abstaining from negligence in all its many forms.
Daily Practice
Deliberately undertake the practice of non-intoxication by noticing when you are free of anything that causes negligence. This may not be sustainable for long, given the many things that can diminish our alertness and clarity. But at least be aware of the moments when your mind is alert and clear. Perhaps you can gradually extend those moments, and the skill of right living can grow.
Tomorrow: Maintaining Arisen Healthy States One week from today: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings
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If we seek security, we are sure to end up in frustration; if we fail to appreciate our present opportunities, each chance for realization will slip through our fingers.
Frivolous speech is
unhealthy. Refraining from frivolous speech is healthy. (MN 9)
Abandoning frivolous speech, one refrains from frivolous speech. One
speaks at the right time, speaks only what is fact, and speaks about
what is good. One speaks what is worthy of being overheard, words that
are reasonable, moderate, and beneficial. (DN 1) One practices thus:
“Others may speak frivolously, but I shall abstain from frivolous
speech.” (MN 8)
Reflection
This guideline
for speech can sound more oppressive than it is. We are not all teaching
Buddhas, and much of what we say may not be directly contributing to
the edification of the world. The call is for us to use speech that is
"reasonable, moderate, and beneficial. " This is practical advice to
laypeople who will naturally speak of daily affairs but are encouraged
to do so in a way that is healthy.
Daily Practice
When you speak,
see that your words are weighty and worthwhile. Speak up when people
are listening, and refrain from interrupting others. Always speak the
truth, and try your best to emphasize what is positive and helpful
rather than being overly critical and saying things that would hurt
people. You have to be mindful to speak carefully. The practice of
mindful speech is worthwhile in its own right and conducive to
well-being.
Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Social Action One week from today: Refraining from False Speech
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The
sun does not need to ‘try’ to shine; it simply radiates light by its
very nature. In the same way, our true nature is already luminous and
clear, spontaneously present at all times.
"Your anger and your inspiration are all inside you. They are just being
who they are. Your reaction is your reaction. It is showing you your
attachments and aversions."
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