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: Don’t Waste Your Suffering

 

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Don’t Waste Your Suffering The place of suffering, the place where we are broken in spirit, when accepted and embraced, is also a place of peace and possibility. Our sufferings do not magically end; instead, we are able to wisely alchemically recycle them. They become the abundant waste that we use to make new growth possible. bell hooks, “Awakening to Love” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

Navigating Conflict in Relationships Kimberly Brown in conversation with James Shaheen and Sharon Salzberg Mindfulness and patience can help us to transform our anger and cultivate healthier connections. Read more » Clarifying Dependent Origination With Bhante Henepola Gunaratana A brand new Dharma Talk is available now! Watch an illuminating teaching from Sri Lankan Theravada monk Bhante Henepola Gunaratana on one of the Buddha’s most essential yet lesser-discussed insights into the nature of suffering and liberation. Watch now »

Via FB \\\ Buddhist Humor: “Those who only imagine emptiness are incurable.” ~ Nagarjuna

 

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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: Self-Cultivation

 

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Self-Cultivation Skillful attitudes of mind are the key to facing potentially explosive situations and the ongoing highs and lows of life and practice. In fact, recognizing these attitudes and cultivating their antidotes is the foundation for all spiritual growth. Steve Armstrong, “Got Attitude?” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

The Buddha’s Nemesis By Donald S. Lopez Jr. We can learn valuable lessons from the story of Devadatta, the Buddha’s cousin who attempted to assassinate him and divide the sangha. Read more » Clarifying Dependent Origination With Bhante Henepola Gunaratana A brand new Dharma Talk is available now! Watch an illuminating teaching from Sri Lankan Theravada monk Bhante Henepola Gunaratana on one of the Buddha’s most essential yet lesser-discussed insights into the nature of suffering and liberation. Watch now »