Touching grass is nice, but being a good person in body, speech, and mind is even better.

Near Varanasi, in the deer park at Isipatana, the Realized One, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha rolled forth the supreme Wheel of Dhamma. And that wheel cannot be rolled back by any ascetic or brahmin or god or Māra or divinity or by anyone in the world. It is the teaching, advocating, establishing, clarifying, analyzing, and revealing of the four noble truths.

SN 45.8 defines the aspects of the 8-fold Path.

Read the Sutta on suttacentral.net.

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What is the Middle Way?

What are the 4 Noble Truths?

What is the 8-fold Path?

The Buddha said, “It is intention (cetana) that I call karma; for having willed (cetayitva), one acts by body, speech, and mind.”

Mike shares why this passage challenged him in his early practice: "Sometimes people have good intentions, but end up hurting others... so do we really only look at the intentions, and ignore the hurt?"

Today's sutta (AN 36.5) was read by our friend Timothy, covering an often quoted but perhaps dangerously misunderstood passage, where the Buddha famously says not to rely on traditions or teachers, but on one's own direct experience.

Gosh, how could we possibly misread that message? Tune in and find out!

• A basic gift, given thoughtfully, is worth more than a fine gift given carelessly.
• A gift is only great when it is given to a worthy cause.
• Giving a simple meal to one accomplished in right view is worth more than a river of gold.
• Going for refuge with a confident heart is worth more than any material gift.
• Actually having a heart of love is better than just following training rules.
• Realizing impermanence is the ultimate gift to all beings.

In AN 6.10, the Buddha encourages six contemplations, or “recollections,” that steady the mind and strengthen faith:

1. Recollection of the Buddha: Reflecting on the Buddha’s awakening, his qualities, and his role as an exemplary teacher of liberation.
2. Recollection of the Dhamma: Contemplating the teachings’ clarity, directness, and the peace they bring when truly understood and practiced.
3. Recollection of the Saṅgha: Remembering the community of noble disciples who have practiced well, serving as inspiring examples on the path.
4. Recollection of Virtue: Reflecting on one’s own ethical conduct, valuing harmlessness, honesty, and moral integrity.
5. Recollection of Generosity: Pondering acts of giving and the joy that arises from a generous and open-hearted spirit.
6. Recollection of Deities: Considering the qualities that lead heavenly beings to their fortunate rebirth, encouraging similar wholesome qualities in oneself.

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