Revoked

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Action: Reflecting upon Bodily Action

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

When you are doing an action with the body, reflect upon that same bodily action thus: “Does this action I am doing with the body lead to both my own affliction and the affliction of another?” If, upon reflection, you know that it does, then stop doing it; if you know that it does not, then continue. (MN 61)

Reflection

Mindfulness of the body involves being fully conscious of your bodily sensations as they occur in the present moment. Reflecting upon bodily action, as described here, has to do with being sensitive to the ethical quality of your actions, which requires tuning in not only to what you are doing but also to how your current activities affect yourself and others. If they pass review, then carry on; if not, it is time to alter your behavior.

Daily Practice

Be aware of the implications of your actions. Notice the patterns of cause and effect generated by what you do, particularly in regard to whether they are causing harm or not. If you realize you are doing something that is not good for you or something that is hurtful to others in some way, simply stop doing it. It is good to pause in mid-stride from time to time, to check on the ethical quality of your actions.

Tomorrow: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings
One week from today: Reflecting upon Verbal Action

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Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from False Speech

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RIGHT SPEECH
Refraining from False Speech

False speech is unhealthy. Refraining from false speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning false speech, one dwells refraining from false speech, a truth-speaker, one to be relied on, trustworthy, dependable, not a deceiver of the world. One does not in full awareness speak falsehood for one’s own ends or for another’s ends or for some trifling worldly end. (DN 1) One practices thus: “Others may speak falsely, but I shall abstain from false speech.” (MN 8)

When one knows covert speech to be true and correct but unbeneficial, one should try not to utter it. (MN 139)

Reflection

The main thing to look at when deciding if it is appropriate to speak or not is whether what you are saying is likely to be beneficial. Yes, it is important to speak the truth, but even when something is true it may not always be helpful to say it. By beneficial what is meant is, will it help a person move away from what is unhealthy and point them toward what is healthy? If so, then by all means speak up; if not, try to keep silent.

Daily Practice

Be careful what you whisper to others, making sure it is not a subtle form of false speech. Even if what you are saying is true, the fact that it is spoken in secret or covertly suggests there may be something about it unsuited to the light of day. Better to speak only what can be said openly whenever possible. Just ask yourself as you are about to speak: Is this helpful? Will this contribute in a beneficial way?

Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Bodily Action
One week from today: Refraining from Malicious Speech

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Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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Devotion to the Moment
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Enjoy this brief teaching on how to wholeheartedly embrace awakening.

In religious study, while there is the opening for healthy skepticism, there is another way to open Pandora's box and let it all in. Figure that whatever is supposed to be useful to you, you will hold, and whatever else will fall away.

You don't have to keep it all away at arm's length for fear you will lose your virginity or something. You don't have to protect your purity against the holy books. You open up and let it come in, no matter how weird it all seems.