Right way to cultivate samma sankappa?
Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 1:29 am
Hello Friends,
I'm wondering if the interpretation of Right Intention/thoughts of non-ill will as good will is accurate. I also wonder if the following teaching is in accordance with the Buddha's teaching on how to practice Right Intention/thoughts:
The intention of renunciation invites us to be willing to let go of attachments, to release control, to enter into situations without resistance, to practice generosity, and to cultivate contentment with what actually is occurring. Imagine bringing the intention of release into your day today. Is there something that you could let go of—perhaps the habit of rushing, or chronic judging that might block you from receiving the beauty and bounty that surrounds you? Take a breath; feel your body; and release the wish to control the outcome of your actions. Stay present, mindful, and balanced as you engage dynamically in your relationships and activities. [Are these for cultivating the intention/thoughts of renunciation from sensual cravings? Should the "beauty and bounty that surrounds you" (e.g. beautiful snow and sky) be included in sensual pleasures that we should detach from?]
The intention of non-ill will encourages the cultivation of loving kindness. Does an attitude of friendliness frequently pervade your encounters? It is especially helpful to pause before speaking to connect with the attitude of friendliness. Our voices communicate more than words. See what happens when you let good will and friendliness be at the forefront of each sentence that you speak. [It seems to me that this is more for cultivating metta. The Buddha pobably didn't really teach us this method in MN 19 for cultivating the intention/thoughts of non-ill will, but rather taught us using metta to remove ill will in another sutta about how to remove distracting thoughts.]
The intention of non-cruelty reminds us to prevent harmful actions, and to respond with compassion when we see pain or suffering. Are your habitual actions causing harm to yourself or others? Is there suffering around you that is calling for your attention? Perhaps there is something that you can do that would bring ease to a neighbor’s life, or contribute to a more harmonious community. [Should we cultivate compassion instead of the intention/thoughts of non-cruelty?]
As I understand from MN 19, the Buddha taught us to cultivate Right Intention/thoughts by discerning wrong thinking and right thinking among three types of thinking (sensuality, ill will, harming), abandon the wrong thinking, and encourage the right amount of right thinking. So I'm a bit confused by the above teachings.
Metta to all,
Starter
PS added: non-ill will should NOT be replaced by good will, and non-harming should NOT be replaced by compassion, because non-ill will and non-harming include upekkha.
I'd like to change all the words "right intention" used in my posts in this thread into "right thinking".
I'm wondering if the interpretation of Right Intention/thoughts of non-ill will as good will is accurate. I also wonder if the following teaching is in accordance with the Buddha's teaching on how to practice Right Intention/thoughts:
The intention of renunciation invites us to be willing to let go of attachments, to release control, to enter into situations without resistance, to practice generosity, and to cultivate contentment with what actually is occurring. Imagine bringing the intention of release into your day today. Is there something that you could let go of—perhaps the habit of rushing, or chronic judging that might block you from receiving the beauty and bounty that surrounds you? Take a breath; feel your body; and release the wish to control the outcome of your actions. Stay present, mindful, and balanced as you engage dynamically in your relationships and activities. [Are these for cultivating the intention/thoughts of renunciation from sensual cravings? Should the "beauty and bounty that surrounds you" (e.g. beautiful snow and sky) be included in sensual pleasures that we should detach from?]
The intention of non-ill will encourages the cultivation of loving kindness. Does an attitude of friendliness frequently pervade your encounters? It is especially helpful to pause before speaking to connect with the attitude of friendliness. Our voices communicate more than words. See what happens when you let good will and friendliness be at the forefront of each sentence that you speak. [It seems to me that this is more for cultivating metta. The Buddha pobably didn't really teach us this method in MN 19 for cultivating the intention/thoughts of non-ill will, but rather taught us using metta to remove ill will in another sutta about how to remove distracting thoughts.]
The intention of non-cruelty reminds us to prevent harmful actions, and to respond with compassion when we see pain or suffering. Are your habitual actions causing harm to yourself or others? Is there suffering around you that is calling for your attention? Perhaps there is something that you can do that would bring ease to a neighbor’s life, or contribute to a more harmonious community. [Should we cultivate compassion instead of the intention/thoughts of non-cruelty?]
As I understand from MN 19, the Buddha taught us to cultivate Right Intention/thoughts by discerning wrong thinking and right thinking among three types of thinking (sensuality, ill will, harming), abandon the wrong thinking, and encourage the right amount of right thinking. So I'm a bit confused by the above teachings.
Metta to all,
Starter
PS added: non-ill will should NOT be replaced by good will, and non-harming should NOT be replaced by compassion, because non-ill will and non-harming include upekkha.
I'd like to change all the words "right intention" used in my posts in this thread into "right thinking".