Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Action: Reflecting upon Mental Action

 

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RIGHT ACTION Reflecting Upon Mental 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 mental action is to be done with repeated reflection. (MN 61) When you wish to do an action with the mind, reflect upon that same mental action thus: "Would this action I wish to do with the mind lead to the affliction of another?" If, upon reflection, you know that it would, then do not do it; if you know that it would not, then proceed. (MN 61)

Reflection It is the nature of living beings to act. Every moment some sort of action is called for. Even when we are physically remaining still and silent, the mind is acting. Even deciding not to act is a mental act. Much of the time it seems as if our mind is thinking us, rather than we are thinking our mind. But with heightened awareness it is possible to open up more space for influencing with our intention the direction our mind takes.     Daily Practice This teaching is inviting us to participate in our mental life with some sort of awareness and freedom of choice. Notice thoughts arising and passing away much as you would watch bodily sensations arise and pass away. As you become more aware of your intentions, examine whether they are healthy or unhealthy, helpful or unhelpful. See if you can at least catch up with your mind—and maybe even get a step ahead of it.  Tomorrow: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures One week from today: Reflecting upon Social Action 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: Prioritizing the Present

 

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Prioritizing the Present  The future is an illusion, the past is now a dream, and the only reality we have access to is the present. Mark Coleman, “Why Are We So Hard on Ourselves?” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

The Sacred Polyester of Tibetan Khata Interview with Dr. Huatse Gyal by Karen Jensen Once made from wool, these highly symbolic textiles are now frequently made of polyester—and quickly polluting the planet. Tricycle speaks with anthropologist Huatse Gyal about their various meanings, history, and the conundrum of religious waste.  Read more »

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Via Daily Dharma: Buddhas Everywhere

 

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Buddhas Everywhere  Everything around us has the opportunity and the capacity to appear in the form of the Buddha. Satya Robyn, “On Wanting to Sound Good”  CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Compassion on a Global Scale Rick Hanson interviewed by Ronn Smith Dr. Rick Hanson, who launched The Global Compassion Coalition (GCC) in 2022, has assembled a substantial group of like-minded individuals and organizations in support of what he sees as essential for the future of our planet. Read more »

Via Daily Dharma: Growth Requires Work

 

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Growth Requires Work While the dharma rain falls equally on each of us, we must do the work—through our practice, or right endeavor—to grow into the best versions of ourselves. Mark Herrick, “Keeping in Mind Our Interbeing Through the Parable of the Medicinal Herbs” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Not Taking No For an Answer By Sarah Fleming In her new novel, The Gathering: A Story of the First Buddhist Women, scholar Vanessa R. Sasson highlights the stories of women who challenged assumptions about what it means to be a woman and what women are supposed to want. Read more »

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 self-mortification have entered upon the wrong way," one thus disparages some. But when one says instead, "The pursuit of self-mortification is a state beset by suffering, and it is the wrong way," then one is not disparaging anyone but is simply stating the truth. (MN 139)

Reflection Certain words or phrases that appear harsh are simply part of the natural vocabulary of different social groups, and are not necessarily spoken harshly. But notice how certain ways of speaking are accompanied by a harsher mental state. Certain words bring with them a particular emotional tone, and this draws our mind into harsher places than necessary. Learning to see and avoid this can be helpful. Daily Practice In the example given in this passage, notice the difference between criticizing a person and criticizing the person’s behavior. When you disparage someone, you invite a defensive measure such as a counterattack; when you disparage their actions, you give the person room to distance themselves from their behavior. Try this for yourself. See if you can develop the habit of criticizing actions instead of people. It is not as harsh.  Tomorrow: Reflecting upon Mental Action One week from today: Refraining from Frivolous Speech Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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