Keeping Away from Harmful Actions Makes This a Good Day
When speaking of happiness and unhappiness, the Buddha's teaching first asks us to see where suffering and unhappiness come from. Only when we know the cause of suffering can we prevent it and understand the path that leads out of it.
The simplest and most important teaching is to keep away from harmful actions. Harmful action does not mean only what the body does. It also includes words, thoughts, and the direction of the mind. Keeping away from harmful speech, harmful behavior, and a harmful mind is the first step in preventing unhappiness.
When we do not do harmful things, there is room for good things to be done. When we bring forth good thoughts, speak good words, and continue good actions, life naturally comes closer to happiness. Happiness does not come only from great events. It begins with today's small choices.
The beginning of all of this is the mind. If we do not care for the mind, words and actions also become scattered. If we tend the mind well, words and actions also move in a wholesome direction. That is why it is important to keep observing and guiding one's own mind.
Today, rather than making only a great resolution to avoid unhappiness, quietly look at your present thoughts, words, and actions. If you reduce what is harmful and add what is good, this very day can already become a good day.
The first step out of unhappiness is to keep away from harmful thoughts, words, and actions. When harmful things are not done, there is room for good things to be done, and doing good brings us closer to happiness. Since everything begins with the mind, care well for your own mind today.
