Thursday, March 21, 2024

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 are doing an action with the body, reflect upon that same bodily action thus: "Does this action I am doing with the body lead to the affliction of another?" If, upon reflection, you know that it does, then stop doing it; if you know that it does not, then continue. (MN 61)
Reflection
Mindfulness practice involves being fully aware of what we are doing while it is being done. It has to do with the mind being in the present moment rather than recalling what has just happened or anticipating what will happen next. It also includes being attentive to the ethical quality of our actions. It is important to be aware of whether we are causing harm or contributing to the good and to adjust our actions accordingly.

Daily Practice
This is a day to reflect upon your actions as you are doing them. Be aware of the unfolding of cause and effect as you go through the day. Notice the look on people’s faces as you are interacting with them; notice whether people are benefitted or hurt by what you are doing. Make the extra effort to be conscious as you act in the world, rather than just doing things automatically.

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

Via Daily Dharma: True Nature Is Beyond

 

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True Nature Is Beyond 

Awakening means a fundamental shift takes place. It is a shift from looking for ourselves outside in the ten thousand things to recognizing that our true nature is beyond definition. 

Kittisaro, “Tangled in Thought”


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Are We Having Fun Yet?
By Alex Tzelnic
Both parenting and practice may not always be the most “fun.” Yet, we get to exchange a promise for a good time for something that may be deeper.
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Via White Crane Institute // THE VERNAL EQUINOX

 

Noteworthy
2024 -

THE VERNAL EQUINOX -- also known as The March equinox – marks the beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere. The March 2023 equinox arrived yesterday, March 20 at 10:37 UTC or 5:37 a.m. Central Daylight Time.

On the dates of the equinox, the sun rises due east and sets due west as it crosses the celestial equator. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, start watching the sun this month, and watch every night as the sun sets just a bit farther north on the horizon each evening until the summer solstice.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox will bring earlier sunrises, later sunsets, softer winds, sprouting plants. Meanwhile, you’ll find the opposite season – later sunrises, earlier sunsets, chillier winds, dry and falling leaves – south of the equator.

The equinoxes and solstices are caused by Earth’s tilt on its axis and ceaseless motion in orbit. You can think of an equinox as happening on the imaginary dome of our sky, or as an event that happens in Earth’s orbit around the sun.

Owing to the pandemic, and in the interests of public health, there was no Spring Equinox gathering at Stonehenge lin 2022.  People wanting to watch the sunrise to mark the first day of spring were  told not to travel to Stonehenge. English Heritage maintains it cannot host the usual celebrations at the prehistoric monument due to safety concerns.


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Gay Wisdom for Daily Living from White Crane Institute

"With the increasing commodification of gay news, views, and culture by powerful corporate interests, having a strong independent voice in our community is all the more important. White Crane is one of the last brave standouts in this bland new world... a triumph over the looming mediocrity of the mainstream Gay world." - Mark Thompson

Exploring Gay Wisdom & Culture since 1989!
www.whitecraneinstitute.org

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Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Speech: Refraining from False Speech

 



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 true, correct, and beneficial but which is unwelcome and disagreeable to others—know the time to use such speech. (MN 58)
Reflection
Sometimes we have to speak the truth to people who don’t want to hear it or to powers that feel threatened by it. Right speech does not mean retreating from such difficult encounters. Even if something is “unwelcome and disagreeable” we should still speak up if it is true. But right speech is skillful speech, and it is necessary to take on such communication with care.

Daily Practice
The next time you need to have a difficult discussion—when someone needs to hear something that is true but you know it will be unwelcome and disagreeable—see if you can bring the skills of right speech to the occasion. Notice that timeliness is one of such skills, as is not being harsh or abusive. But refraining from false speech does not mean refraining from true speech, and you should speak the truth with confidence.

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.



Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning.

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

Via Daily Dharma: Free Yourself from Your Internalized Gaze

 

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Free Yourself from Your Internalized Gaze

The more you can free yourself from your internalization of the gaze of others, the more liberated you feel.

Thanissaro Bhikkhu, “Under Your Skin”


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The Broken Gong
By Thanissaro Bhikkhu
A Theravada monk on sustaining focus to silence the inner commentary that permeates our lives. 
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Via Love Serve Remember Foundation \\ People As Trees: Improvisations with Ram Dass

In an inspiring fusion of music and spirituality, Papadosio is thrilled to announce the release of their new EP, "People As Trees: Improvisations with Ram Dass," an album that transcends the boundaries of music and spirituality, offering listeners an immersive experience into the teachings of Ram Dass, guided by the eclectic sounds of Papadosio.

"Being our first foray into recording music intertwined with such meaningful samples, we were initially nervous," said a band member. "Discovering that the foundation approached us with enthusiasm to continue spreading Ram Dass's wisdom was an incredible honor. This project has been a journey of growth, creativity, and spiritual exploration for us."

The EP, comprising five songs, is a testament to the seamless blend of Papadosio's musical talents with the timeless wisdom of Ram Dass. Each track is a unique improvisational piece that invites listeners to embark on a journey of reflection, connection, and transcendence.

The first single from the EP will be available TOMORROW (3/21) on all major streaming platforms. This album is a heartfelt invitation to explore the interconnectedness of all beings, viewed through the lens of musical ingenuity and spiritual wisdom.

>> Pre-Save the New Single Here!