Thursday, January 11, 2024

Via Daily Dharma: Life Is the Way

 

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Life Is the Way

Life does not get in the way; it is the way.

Rebecca Li, “Translating Silence”


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The Noble Eightfold Path to a Fulfilling Marriage
By Tara Anand
What the Pali canon can teach us about mending wounded relationships.
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Tuesday, January 9, 2024

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

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Via Daily Dharma: Embracing Emotion

 

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 Embracing Emotion

Our feelings, emotions, and experiences—good, bad, or neutral—are genuine and a part of who we are. We won’t grow, transform, and awaken by running away from them; it is by embracing who we are that we awaken.

Mark Herrick, “Reflecting on Faith and Understanding in the Wealthy Man and His Poor Son”


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Zazen, Stillness, and Change
By Jundo Cohen
The new year reminds us of the passage of time and inevitable change. Yet Zen teachings encourage us to recognize stillness, even within change.
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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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Via Daily Dharma: Transferable Goodness

 

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Transferable Goodness

Devotion to the sacred, one’s ancestors, or a teacher uplifts the heart and calls forth our potential. Their goodness elicits the best in us.

Oren Jay Sofer, “Everyday Devotion”


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Why It’s Important to Cultivate Boundless Equanimity
By Scott Tusa
A teaching on how to work with, and open up, our own preconceived biases.
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