Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from Frivolous Speech

 

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RIGHT SPEECH Refraining from Frivolous Speech Frivolous speech is unhealthy. Refraining from frivolous speech is healthy. (MN 9) Abandoning frivolous speech, one refrains from frivolous speech. One speaks at the right time, speaks only what is fact, and speaks about what is good. One speaks what is worthy of being overheard, words that are reasonable, moderate, and beneficial. (DN 1) One practices thus: "Others may speak frivolously, but I shall abstain from frivolous speech." (MN 8) When a person commits an offense of some kind, you should not hurry to reprove them but rather consider whether or not to speak. If you will not be troubled, the other person will be hurt, and you can help them emerge from what is unhealthy and establish them in what is healthy—then it is proper to speak. It is a trifle that they will be hurt compared with the value of helping establish them in what is healthy. (MN 103)

Reflection So many of our speech patterns are habitual and unfold automatically. The practice of right speech gives us an opportunity to notice this, because we are bringing greater awareness to the action of speaking. It also enables us to change our habitual patterns because it gives us time to respond differently. The ability to pause and reflect before responding is particularly important when in the presence of offensive speech. Daily Practice The next time you feel offended by something someone says to you, slow down enough to not react automatically and to take some time to consider whether or not to speak. Not every putdown requires a comeback. The critical factor in the analysis above is whether or not what you say will make a difference. It is okay to hurt someone’s feelings if you "can help them emerge from what is unhealthy" and get on a better track. Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Social Action One week from today: Refraining from False Speech 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: Real Love is Innate

 

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Real Love is Innate I see real love as the most fundamental of our innate capacities, never destroyed no matter what we might have gone through or might yet go through. It may be buried, obscured from view, hard to find, and hard to trust . . . but it is there. Sharon Salzberg, “Real Love” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

The “Twitter Monk” By Emma Varvaloucas How Haemin Sunim, internationally known as the “Twitter monk,” came up against the internet’s ‘cancel’ culture, prompting questions of the ethical responsibilities of a modern practitioner. Read more »

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Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Intention: Cultivating Equanimity

 

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RIGHT INTENTION Cultivating Equanimity Whatever you intend, whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will become the basis on which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop meditation on equanimity, for when you develop meditation on equanimity, all aversion is abandoned. (MN 62)  The manifestation of equanimity is the subsiding of attraction and aversion. (Vm 9.93) Having smelled an odor with the nose, one is neither glad-minded nor sad-minded but abides with equanimity, mindful and fully aware. (AN 6.1)

Reflection Equanimity, the fourth brahma-vihara, or sublime way of abiding, is defined here in terms of its manifestation—how it presents itself in experience. Equanimity manifests as the absence of the two extremes of attraction (greed) and aversion (hatred), which so often rule the mind. Equanimity is the still center point on a continuum between the two, where the mind neither draws toward nor tilts away from an object.     Daily Practice Equanimity can be practiced with any of the sense modalities, and here we are invited to engage with the practice in the sensory realm of smelling odors. Practice lingering in the presence of an obviously pleasant or an intensely unpleasant odor and see if you can manifest the attitude of equanimity. You can experience pleasure and displeasure and not automatically want more or less of it. See what this feels like, and then sustain the non-reactive attitude toward feeling tones.  Tomorrow: Refraining from Frivolous Speech One week from today: Cultivating Lovingkindness Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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© 2024 Tricycle Foundation 89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Via Daily Dharma: Appreciating Complexity

 

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Appreciating Complexity I see real love as the most fundamental of our innate capacities, never destroyed no matter what we might have gone through or might yet go through. It may be buried, obscured from view, hard to find, and hard to trust . . . but it is there. Sharon Salzberg, “Real Love” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

​​ Putting Spirituality First Interview with Reverend Ken Yamada by Frederick M. Ranallo-Higgins In this conversation with Reverend Ken Yamada we explore the life and teachings of Kiyozawa Manshi, a controversial Jodo Shinshu Buddhist and Higashi Honganju priest who emphasized spirituality over worldly concerns. Read more » The Wisdom of Equanimity in Global Crisis With Lama Karma Tibetan Buddhist teacher Lama Karma offers a dharma talk on equanimity as a facet of primordial wisdom, and the basis for an authentic response to both personal and global challenges. Watch now »

Via Writing as a Spiritual Practice

 

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Learn to Write from the Heart in our newest Online Course!

Do you enjoy creative writing? Are you hoping to or do you already use writing as a tool on your spiritual path? Perhaps you don’t have any experience with writing but are interested in learning how to utilize it on your path to expression and flourishing.  If any of that resonates with you then our newest online course might be the perfect fit! We’re thrilled to introduce our newest Tricycle online course beginning March 25, 2024, Writing as a Spiritual Practice led by Zen teacher Sallie Tisdale.  Learn more and enroll » What does writing as a spiritual practice mean?  First it means learning to write from the place in which spiritual work happens. This means cultivating an attitude of open heartedness, curiosity, wonder, and fearlessness.  Second it means creating work that brings expression to those qualities. Human beings have always found ways to express the path of seeking and wonder and these expressions often have much to teach. This class includes a number of examples of spiritual expression and prompts for creating your own. This course will offer you the chance to:  Bring more creativity to your path Confront deep questions and celebrate fragile beauties Overcome self-censorship by using writing as an act of liberation Seek wholeness in self-expression and open to the joy and freedom that follows Share and celebrate your work with like-minded people Receive feedback and guidance on your work from teacher and expert guide Sallie Tisdale  Learn more about the course to see if it’s right for you! Enroll now »

Via GBF: "Navigating Missteps in Our Relationships" with René Rivera

How do we bring our practice into the difficult moments of relationships with others? Can we learn from these and approach them with curiosity and presence as an opportunity to grow?

René Rivera looks at the ways our practice can help us become more aware of when our words or behaviors generate conflict. He shares his approach to mend these transgressions, including: 

1. Be present with ourselves. Pause and focus on the sensations and emotions we feel when we make a mistake, such as shame, anger, or frustration. 
2. Open to the other person. Turn with curiosity to understanding the other person, such as acknowledging what has been said and being open to feedback.
3. Seek to repair the damage; make amends sooner rather than later. 

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Listen to the full talk on your favorite podcast player or our website:
https://gaybuddhist.org/podcast/navigating-missteps-in-our-relationships-rene-rivera/