Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Action: Reflecting upon Bodily Action

 

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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 wish to do an action with the body, reflect on that same bodily action thus: "Would this action I wish to do with the body lead to my own affliction?" If, on reflection, you know that it would, then do not do it. If you know that it would not, then proceed. (MN 61)

Reflection The word for action is kamma in Pali, karma in Sanskrit, and the quality of our actions is a matter of great concern in the Buddhist tradition. We act with the body, speech, and mind, and each of these will be considered in turn. The teaching here is partly to learn how to pay close attention to what we are doing and partly to notice the ethical consequences of our actions.  Daily Practice To reflect on our actions is to bring conscious awareness to them. Most of what we do is done unconsciously, so the practice is to become conscious of what we are doing instead of doing it automatically. Start here with intention. Pay careful attention to the process of making simple choices, such as moving your hand or not, and see if you can catch when intention arises. Also note the ethical quality of your choices: Is a choice healthy or unhealthy? Tomorrow: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings One week from today: Reflecting upon Verbal Action Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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Via FB /// Buddhism

 Buddhism

Many people misunderstand Buddhism.

They think it’s another religion with rituals, prayers, and a pathway to heaven.

But the Buddha never promised heaven, nor did he claim to control your destiny.

Buddhism is far more profound:

It teaches that your mind shapes your entire reality.

Your thoughts influence your emotions.

Your emotions influence your choices.

Your choices shape your life.

Heaven and hell are not places somewhere else —

they are states you create within your own consciousness.

There is no God deciding your fate.

No external judge writing your destiny.

In Buddhism, you are responsible for your actions, your growth, and your freedom.

You are your own master.

And every Buddhist teaching —

mindfulness, compassion, wisdom, detachment, awareness —

exists to help you master that mastery.

When you observe your mind, you understand suffering.

When you control your reactions, you find peace.

When you understand impermanence, you let go.

When you act with kindness, you heal.

When you cultivate awareness, you awaken.

The path isn’t upward — it’s inward.

Not worship, but wisdom.

Not salvation, but self-realization.

Buddhism is the art of mastering the mind —

because once you master your mind,

you master your life.

Via Daily Dharma: Limitless Wisdom

 

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Limitless Wisdom As space itself is boundless, sentient beings are described as limitless. A true understanding of this is “limitless wisdom.” Venerable Lama Karma Thinley Rinpoche, “The Four Limitless Thoughts” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

Sun in a Sunless Place By Rima Vesely-Flad A Buddhist scholar turns to Audre Lorde’s writings on embracing impermanence and living courageously in the face of death. Read more » Coming Home to Ourselves Brother Phap Huu in conversation with James Shaheen and Sharon Salzberg In this episode of Life As It Is, Brother Phap Huu discusses methods for cultivating greater stability and presence as we meet the challenges of our time. Listen now » Follow Us Forward today's wisdom to a friend »

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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) Such speech as you know to be untrue, incorrect, and unbeneficial, as well as unwelcome and disagreeable to others—do not utter such speech. (MN 58)

Reflection Integrity is held to be of great value in Buddhist traditions, and speaking truthfully at all times is an important practice in itself. Notice how it is phrased as a naturally healthy thing to do. Notice also how it is about changing your own behavior rather than trying to change others. We refrain from false speech by noticing whenever the impulse to be untruthful arises and simply abandoning it. Just do not say what is untrue and unbeneficial. Daily Practice Working with right speech can be one of the most challenging practices. The closer you observe, the more you can notice subtle impulses to exaggerate, omit, or lead astray when speaking. When you are speaking, bring an extra measure of attentiveness to the moment just before you utter the words. The gap between impulse and speech can be widened gradually with practice, allowing for more conscious communication. Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Bodily Action One week from today: Refraining from Malicious Speech Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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