Daily Buddhist Practice:  Right Thought

"The Bhikkhu in kindness abiding, bright in the buddha’s teaching can come to the place of peace, the bliss of the constructed cease." ~ The Buddha (Dhammapada 368) 

Now that you recognize that Mara is what causes the three fires of greed, anger, and ignorance (especially during this time), you must have right determination, awareness, and intention to eliminate it.  

When you allow these negative views to control you and your actions, you create unwholesome karma for yourself and others.  

However, when your thoughts are in line with the teachings of the Buddha (Dharma/Dhamma) in every moment, you are on the right path to putting those fires.  

Resolve to keep your thoughts in accord with the Dharma.

Today's Focus:

* When events occur around you, such as wanting to hoard supplies, getting angry at someone, passing judgement on other people’s actions, etc., realize this is the three fires burning.

* Realize each time that this is what Mara wants this to occur, so you create unwholesome karma.

* Be mindful of what is occurring, your thoughts, and align your thoughts to the Buddha, his teachings, and actions.  You are a Buddha anytime you are mindful and act in wholesome accord with his teachings.

* Remember, all things are impermanent, including the current pandemic, lack of supplies, anxiety, etc.  

Today's Practice: 

* Continue to recite the Five Remembrances.  

* Continue to Meditate, at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath.  For today, add focusing on the Buddha and his actions/teachings.  Develop insight that the teachings are the lamp that guide us in the dark path towards enlightenment, and through the fear and uncertainty the crisis we are currently in produces.

* New Practice:  When you encounter a situation or a thought that is unwholesome, focus on the Buddha and his teachings.  Even though you may not always know how to respond, knowing that the Buddha, his teachings, and the actions he displayed, are wholesome and can help you with reducing the flames of the three fires you are currently experiencing.

Learn more about the Eightfold Path:

https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-eightfold-path/

Video daily practice:

https://youtu.be/rmu7qRBMGAI

View the entire 14 day playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxlqwF6P6GE...

Free 14 Day Buddhist Planner for Buddhists:  https://gum.co/BuddhistPlannerCOVID

View all of the 14 days on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/BxlqwF6P6GE

More on Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/about

More on Sanathavihari Bhikkhu: https://www.casadebhavana.com/