Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation // Words of Wisdom - January 8, 2025 💠

 

"There are a variety of ways of doing meditation. Some people do calligraphy as a form of meditation. A lot of artists describe that besides the aesthetic and the technical stuff, that when they get beyond that, often they go into an altered state of consciousness when they are doing their art. So it’s possible that there is a form of meditation that you might find suitable other than pure sitting meditation. On the other hand, sitting meditation has cleanness about it in that it really shows you continuously where you aren’t. It shows you where you are agitated; it shows you how much stuff you have got in your mind that you’re grabbing onto. So I find it a very basic tool. What I find is that the quieter my mind is, the closer I feel to Maharaji."

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Via Daily Dharma: The Ripples of Everyday Actions

 

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The Ripples of Everyday Actions

Whatever we do creates certain mental impressions, which in turn produce karmic residues that later come to fruition when the appropriate causes and conditions are present. Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche, “Karma and Rebirth” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from Harsh Speech

 

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RIGHT SPEECH Refraining from Harsh Speech Harsh speech is unhealthy. Refraining from harsh speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning harsh speech, one refrains from harsh speech. One speaks words that are gentle, pleasing to the ear, and affectionate, words that go to the heart, are courteous, and are agreeable to many. (DN 1) One practices thus: "Others may speak harshly, but I shall abstain from harsh speech." (MN 8) When one says: "All those engaged in the pursuit of the enjoyment of sensual pleasures have entered the wrong way," one thus disparages some. But when one says instead, "The pursuit of the enjoyment of sensual pleasures is a state beset by suffering, and it is the wrong way," then one is not disparaging anyone but simply stating the truth. (MN 139)

Reflection Right speech does not mean always telling people what they want to hear. Often difficult truths need to be spoken, but there are skillful and unskillful ways of doing this. In this passage we are instructed on the implications of invoking the sense of self. Instead of disparaging others by using an agent noun ("They are such a liar"), simply speak the truth by pointing out their actions (“They have told a lie”) rather than rebuking the self.  Daily Practice Practice critiquing the words or actions of a person rather than the person. Instead of calling a person rude, point out the rude thing they have said or done. It is a small but important distinction. Whenever people feel attacked, it brings out the tendency to counterattack. When their actions are called out instead, it leaves them room to change their behavior. Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Mental Action One week from today: Refraining from Frivolous Speech Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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Via BUDDHIST GEEKS PARTNERS // The Jhāna Community

The Jhāna Community Mastering the Art of Jhāna Applications are open in January, 2025 for new members interested to exploring the practices of shamatha, metta, and/or vipassana jhāna to do so along with experienced teachers & dedicated peers. Learn more »

Via Daily Dharma: Expressions of Samadhi

 

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Expressions of Samadhi Samadhi is actualization; it is expression. It is the night when a hand reaches back, groping for a pillow.  Eihei Dogen Zenji, “Ocean Mudra Samadhi” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

What We’re Listening To By the Editors Explore our roundup of a Dharma Talk, podcast, and music that no Buddhist listener should miss.  Read more » Diversity Plaza Directed by Kesang Tseten Explore the vibrant lives of up to 75,000 Himalayans in Jackson Heights, Queens—the most linguistically diverse zip code in the U.S. Our latest Film Club pick directed by Kesang Tseten reveals how these communities honor their traditions while embracing new lives in America. Watch now »

via Dhamma Wheel | Right Intention: Cultivating Appreciative Joy

 

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RIGHT INTENTION Cultivating Appreciative Joy Whatever you intend, whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward will become the basis on which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop meditation on appreciative joy, for when you develop meditation on appreciative joy, any discontent will be abandoned. (MN 62)  The characteristic of appreciative joy is gladdening produced by the success of others. (Vm 9.93)

Reflection Appreciative joy is the neglected brahma-vihara, or sublime state of mind, less well known than its siblings lovingkindness, compassion, and equanimity. As we see from this definition, it serves as an antidote to discontent. When feeling good about someone else, you cannot at the same time feel bad about yourself. While feeling joy in appreciation of the good fortune of others might feel forced at first, it can gradually become a habit of mind.  Daily Practice Look for opportunities to notice when good things are happening to other people and extend good wishes to those people rather than jealousy or resentment. Celebrate the good fortune of even strangers and be happy for them. Joy and gladness are both rare and precious, and celebrating others' good fortune is an easy way to access those feelings on a regular basis. Even if things are not going well for you, you can share in the happiness of others. Try it and see for yourself. Tomorrow: Refraining from Harsh Speech One week from today: Cultivating Equanimity Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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