Saturday, July 15, 2023

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Effort: Restraining Unarisen Unhealthy States

 


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RIGHT EFFORT
Restraining Unarisen Unhealthy States
Whatever a person frequently thinks about and ponders, that will become the inclination of their mind. If one frequently thinks about and ponders unhealthy states, one has abandoned healthy states to cultivate the unhealthy states, and then one’s mind inclines to unhealthy states. (MN 19)

Here a person rouses the will, makes an effort, stirs up energy, exerts the mind, and strives to restrain the arising of unarisen unhealthy mental states. One restrains the arising of the unarisen hindrance of sluggishness. (MN 141)
Reflection
Among the five hindrances is the hindrance of sluggishness. More colorfully called “sloth and torpor” in many texts, this is the quality of mind that is lacking energy, is low on enthusiasm, and just generally results in laziness or sleepiness. It is not a moral failing, but it is unhealthy insofar as it obstructs clarity of mind and thereby can contribute to suffering. It helps to make an effort to restrain its arising in the mind whenever possible.

Daily Practice
The practice of restraining the arising of sluggishness is not about repressing it but about understanding the conditions in which it thrives. You can work to limit those conditions so that sluggishness is not inclined to arise. Cultivate its antidote, energy, by raising physical and mental activity before sluggishness gains a foothold. Knowing it is present as a latent or potential trait helps guard against having it flare up in experience. 

Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Body and Abiding in the First Jhāna
One week from today: Abandoning Arisen Unhealthy States

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Via Daily Dharma: Buddha’s Nature

Buddha’s Nature

Meditators begin to realize that even consciousness has no separate, independent existence, but is always co-arising with its object. Now we may begin to understand ourselves as co-emergent with the world.

Wes Nisker, “Buddha’s Nature”


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Friday, July 14, 2023

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 have done an action with the body, reflect upon that same bodily action thus: “Has this action I have done with the body led to both my own affliction and the affliction of another?” If, upon reflection, you know that it has, then tell someone you trust about it and undertake a commitment not to do it again. If you know it has not, then be content and feel happy about it. (MN 61)
Reflection
Here we have a rare invitation to reflect on the past in a tradition that generally encourages us to keep our attention focused on the present moment. This is not an ancient form of psychotherapy but rather the recognition that reflecting on all our actions of body, speech, and mind in the past, present, and future can be a valuable learning tool. We refine our understanding of cause and effect in this way.

Daily Practice
See if you can get in the habit of looking at what you have done immediately after you do it. Notice the effect your actions have on your surroundings and particularly on other people. Notice if you seem to have caused someone harm or if you have hurt yourself in some way. If you are aware of causing affliction, be honest in admitting that and undertake a commitment to refrain from such an action in the future.

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

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Via Daily Dharma: Practices of Purification

 

Practices of Purification

The anger is no more mine than is the breeze on my skin or the sound of a dog barking across the street.

Amaro Bhikkhu, “Practices of Purification” 


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Thursday, July 13, 2023

Via Daily Dharma: Seeing the Present Moment

Seeing the Present Moment

Our brains have evolved to keep us alive. They’re really good at being anxious, seeing the negative, and what can go wrong, and really bad at seeing the present moment just as it is.

Anthony Tshering, “How the Concept of Impermanence Can Help Anxiety-Ridden Millennials” 


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Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Harming Living Beings

 

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RIGHT LIVING
Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Harming Living Beings
Harming living beings is unhealthy. Refraining from harming living beings is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning the harming of living beings, one abstains from harming living beings; with rod and weapon laid aside, gentle and kindly, one abides compassionate to all living beings. (M 41) One practices thus: “Others may harm living beings, but I will abstain from the harming of living beings.” (MN 8)

This is something that leads to the welfare and happiness of a person in this present life: accomplishment in protection. Here a person sets up protection and guards over the resources one has acquired . . . [thinking], “How can I prevent thieves from carrying it off, fire from burning it, floods from sweeping it away, and dishonest people from taking it?” (AN 8.54)
Reflection
There is a practical side to the teachings of the historical Buddha that can be easy to overlook. He didn't just guide monks and nuns toward awakening; he also advised laypeople on how to live wisely. Here the emphasis is on the value of guarding the things you own and the beings under your protection. Life is precious, and the duty of a householder to protect their family, animals, and possessions was taken quite seriously. 
Daily Practice
It is easy to cause harm to living beings by neglecting to be careful in all you do. Now more than ever a commitment to non-harming means developing ways not only to avoid hurting living beings but also to nurture and protect them. Look at yourself and your life through the eyes of another: a pet, a wild animal, an ocean, an eco-system. And ask yourself, What more can I do to ensure their safety and well-being?
Tomorrow: Restraining Unarisen Unhealthy States
One week from today: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given

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Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation // Words of Wisdom - July 12, 2023 💌


 

"If you follow your heart there is nothing to fear. As long as your actions are based on your pure seeking for God, you are safe. And any time you are unsure or frightened about your situation, there’s a beautiful and very powerful mantra: 'The power of God is within me. The grace of God surrounds me,' which you can repeat to yourself. It will protect you.


Experience the power of it, it’s like a solid steel shaft that goes from above the top of your head down to the base of your being. Grace will surround you like a force field. Through an open heart one hears the universe."

- Ram Dass -