Part II - Educating the heart through training the mind. Introduction: starting with oneself
Based on Buddhist tradition, substantially from lojong (mind training). But it does not need any particular belief.
Ethical mindfulness in every life
- On top of the view, we need commitment to develop and apply the values in our daily lives.
- Ethic of restraint (from harming others)
- Ethic of virtue: engaging on positive behavior
- Ethic of altruism: acting for the welfare of others
Ethic of restraint
- Behavior is body, speech, and mind, of which mind is the most important
- Restraint body is to avoid murder, theft, and sexual misconduct such sexual exploitation. We restraint thru discernment applied to our behavior.
- Restraint speech is to refrain from lying, slandering, divisive gossip (and ordinary gossip). We must treat others as we would wish to be treated.
- Nagarjuna advice to a king the six principles:
- Avoid excessive use of intoxicants
- Uphold the principle of right livelihood
- Ensure that one's body, speech, and mind are non-violent
- Treat others with respect
- Honor people worthy to esteem, such as parents, teachers, and those who are kind
- Be kind to others
- Dishonesty destroys trust and is profoundly harmful
- We must cultivate three qualities heedfulness, mindfulness, and awareness
- Heedfulness: be cautious, attentive
- Mindfulness: be aware of our patterns of behavior (body, speech, and mind). Use recollection, recall our values and motivation, and let go unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and habits.
- Awareness: pay attention to out behavior and bring it under control
- We develop two qualities
- Self-respect: a sense of personal integrity, upholding the values
- Consideration of others: healthy regard of others
Ethic of virtue
- Being warm and generous, charitable and helpful
- Praising others, listening their problems, and offer advice and encouragement
- Attitude of sympathetic joy for others fortune and achievement
Altruism
- Not necessary to be absolutely altruistic to cultivate it
- Many professions (caregivers, teachers) directly benefit others
- Use discernment (heedfulness, mindfulness and awareness)
- This is the very foundation of freedom
Meditation
- 9 non-virtuous actions, 9 virtuous actions
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