Good dharmas
November 29, 2008 The Buddha said in the Ten Virtuous Conducts Sutra that bodhisattvas have a method that can help them end all sufferings in the Three Evil Paths. The method is being often mindful of and contemplating wholesome thoughts, and observing wholesome behavior and speech night and day, not having even the slightest non-virtuous thought. This way, one will end all evils forever and perfectly accomplish good dharmas—wholesome thoughts, behavior and speech.
When one is often mindful of good dharmas, one’s mind will be virtuous. When one often contemplates good dharmas, one’s thoughts will be virtuous. When one often observes good dharmas, one’s conduct will be virtuous. The criterion for virtuousness is to permanently end the Ten Evil Conducts: killing, stealing, committing sexual misconduct, lying, divisive speech, harsh speech, enticing speech, greed, anger, and ignorance.
When one’s every thought, every word, and every action accords with the Ten Virtuous Conducts and the virtues innate in the true nature, one will be free from all sufferings in the evil paths.
~ Ven. Master Chin Kung
Reader Comments (8)
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For a long time, I never voiced what I might have been thinking or feeling, about others.
Then at a later point in time, I seemed to be attracted to people who spoke their mind.
Now I find that I feel incredibly conflicted about the conversations that I engage in, with these friends.
Much time is spent in finding fault with others and this does not sit well with me.
My friends are intelligent professionals and they have been supportive of me in difficult times however, I compromise my values every time I speak with them.
I am aware that my words, deeds and thoughts need to be aligned, however who among us is perfect?
I do not want my Buddhist practice to exclude me from people, who essentially are good people, however these conversations diminish me.
Do you have any thoughts on this?
With respect - Kate
As you said, these are essentially good people. Good people who do not yet realize that finding faults in others is pointless and, worse, harmful. But even we who do realize this still get caught up in our bad habits and speak negatively about others.
So when with others, we need to remind ourselves, that it is often easier to spot this habit in others than to detect it in ourselves. So we need to be patient. But in being patient, we don't have to absorb what they are saying. Try being like a mirror by being aware of the overall conversation, but not taking part in it.
Try chanting when they are talking. In this way, you'll participate less but not turn your friends away by rejecting them. As is said "Speak less, chant more." Also, try to find a way to direct the conversation away from the negative stuff and move it to something more positive. I'm sure you've already tried this and have faced varying degrees of success. Keep at it. It takes time to change habits, especially when people don't know you're trying to change theirs. ;-)
Also, impress them with your quiet calmness. As you're silently chanting you'll find yourself calming down. Someone will notice. When they do, you can just say something simple, like you were thinking of something nice and relaxing. They may not even say anything when they notice you're participating less. But if you look happy, they'll eventually catch on.
It's difficult, but try to find a balance between being with them but not absorbing the conversation and finding activities and friends who share your understanding of good dharmas. That new friend may even turn out to be one of the old ones.
By the same token, I go out of my way to call up and compliment someone I feel did something well. I remember one call where the lady on the other end was stunned. She said in fifteen years I was the ONLY person to call and say how much they liked it. How sad. I also make a point of recommending good services. On average, though, most people only make a positive comment 1 time--compared to the 9 people they will complain to for dissatisfaction.
I think we all need to think about our "ripples" and our intentions.
As Venerable knows, I am not a shy violet, and I think there is nothing wrong with being genuinely complimentary. Almost every time I go through a checkout line I will talk with the cashier and compliment them on something as simple as their fancy nails, nice hair, something. I may be the only person that day who addressed them as a valuable person and not part of the cash register. I also make a point of noting a server/waitresses' name to converse with them.
I still have a long way to go on some of the Dharmas and hopefully I have enough time to work on them. Thanks to Venerable, I am reminded on a regular basis.
Excellent! In so many ways, you show how we all can practice the giving of fearlessness. The sincere compliment, your random acts of kindness cards, going out of your way to tell someone you appreciate what they have done, constructive comments instead of negative complaints, all these have an impact. Perhaps even more so because they are so noticeable amid the negativity we encounter.
Good dharmas don't have to be complicated, just consistent and mindfully done.
Do you want it if no why do anyone want to do the reverse?
this article is something I had a big challenge for a long time. Then I decided that I should not start from step 5 but go back to step 1. now, i practice my day as "live my life for others" ... eg. pressing the lift door for others to go out first or chant when my mind starts to think bad about another person.
i know these are small steps but are crucial basic foundation
amitoufuo
Very crucial! The more--and the more quickly--we can bring our mind back to "Amituofo," the stronger our practice becomes because "Amituofo" is a supreme good dharma.