Right Action In Western Society-Noble Eightfold Path 3

Hello to all,

The third in my perspective on the Noble Eightfold Path in Western Society. Right View, Right Thinking, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Diligence, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration are at the core of the Buddha's teachings and the practicing of the Middle Path. Living in Western Society presents unique situations that skew these practices at times.

Please see Right View and Right Thinking before delving into Right Action. 

RIGHT ACTION - The third practice of the Noble Eightfold Path put simple is "do the right thing". It is being mindful of showing love, nonviolence toward all other beings, and striving to do no harm and prevent othrs from doing harm.

The 1st, 2nd, 3rd 5th Mindfulness Trainings lead to Right Action.

1. First Training: Protect the lives of all things - plant, animal, people, and minerals (This last one is very hard for a Western mind to wrap around. Minerals, as in rocks, stones and stuff are alive?). I interpret the protection of minerals as being compassionate and caring about our planet as a whole. Then I think about Buddhist temples and stupas, how each stone is blessed before being placed as the structure is built.
   
2. Second Training: Practice generosity of time, energy, spirit and resources. Get involved with your community, faith, government, non-profit, or just help a neighbor. It's all good. Oh yeah, no stealing. If it doesn't belong to you, leave it alone.
3. Third Training: SEX  -  Got your attention? Loneliness cannot be expelled by sexual contact. Without communication, understanding, and love it is not fulfilling. It is just an act. Exploiting others for sexual release is a no-no.
   
4. Fifth Training: Gluttony, drugs and drink - cultivate good health by ingesting only those things that bring peace to the body and mind. Simple right? Sure, don't over eat, get high or get smashed. Not hard to understand. Now throw in mental toxins. The Western diet of movies, TV shows, books, news casts and conversations feed the mind poisonous images. Now it's not so easy.

In brief: Protect all life, be generous, be responsible, consume mindfully.

Right View and Right Thinking will lead naturally to Right Action.

Look around in Western Society at how much input there is that can steer us away from Right Action. Advertisements that lure us, rude and violent people, the actions of our government, peer pressure (Just Say NO - corny, but true.), and the ever increasing cost of living. 

Are you guilty of something if you don't resist? No, you're human. Can you keep trying to resist? Yes, you're human.

Thanks to everyone that has commented on Right View and Right Thinking. They have all been helpful. Let's build a Gather Sangha. Let's help each other learn, grow and practice.

Namaste, Wayne