Category: moral virtue

Posted on

right action

Buddhist teachings state this simply as abstaining from killing, abstaining from stealing, and abstaining from sexual misconduct as they relate to sentient beings.

for me …

At first I thought this one was a no brainer but the more I am thinking about it, I have honestly struggled with this one.

In my past, I have killed other sentient beings and not out of need. I am referring to insects and small animals here. I guess there is question as to whether insects are sentient beings (have feelings and consciousness) but I think it is naive to not think so. I am honestly not convinced vegetation couldn’t also be considered sentient! My focus here is immediately on rodents, specifically field mice … if I set out bate and they eat it and die elsewhere, because I am not ‘aware’ of it am I not living with right action?

As far as stealing goes, there was that one time in New Orleans during Mardi Gras in 1999 when I stole that necklace from a street vendor … I still have it, put away, but I have it. Never again.

And let’s talk about sexual misconduct. NEVER have I engaged without consent. Upon reflecting though, I can relate to the idea of objectification. I am embarrassed by some of my past behaviors.

Posted on

right speech

Buddhist teachings focus on abstaining from:

  • lying OR speak the truth, hold to the truth, is firm, reliable, no deceiver of the world
  • divisive speech OR speak to create concord/harmony
  • abusive speech OR speak affectionately and politely
  • idle chatter OR speak what is connected with dharma

for me …

I connect this immediately to one of the 8 Keys of Excellence from the Quantum Learning Network (qln.com), speak with good purpose. I share this as a reminder each morning during announcements with the students and teachers in my care.

A point of clarification I would like to make though is that this does not equate to kindness and ‘being nice’ always. True kindness comes from truth telling and while the receiver of the words may not immediately recognize the harmony spoken, but rather focus on the immediate suffering of their ego, at the end of the day being honest and direct is key.

This is an area that our Leaders struggle with. Their constant divisive speech is creating a level of suffering in our world at present that will likely take years to recover from. That terrifies me.

I remember very clearly a point in time during my first year as an administrator when I responded to a teacher who felt as though she had been harmed in some way by something I said previously by telling her that I was not responsible for her feelings. While this came out much harsher than intended, those are some of the truest words I had ever spoken. It is my hope and intention to focus on and consider the collective rather than the individual in the things I say and do because to me, we are one.