It’s a new month, which means a new step on the Eightfold Path. This December, we will be practicing Right Action. As you can see, these steps follow each other in a logical way. We begin with how we see the world, then what our intentions are, then what we say. And now we are going to look at how we act.
Broadly speaking, Right Action can be described as “the mental factor of abstinence.” Bhikkhu Bodhi says abstinence is the pivotal factor in this practice. I know at first this sounds counterintuitive. Isn’t Right Action about what we do?! But in the same way Right Speech teaches us what not to say, Right Action begins by teaching us what not to do. Our speech becomes more intentional through silence, and our actions become more intentional through abstinence.
Traditionally, Right Action means refraining from three particular things, which we will discuss in detail in the upcoming posts. They are:
- Refraining from taking life
- Not taking what is not given
- Abstaining from sexual misconduct
Here’s a little tidbit: the Five Precepts, which is the basic code of ethics for all Buddhists, contains all three of these. And a fourth, refraining from intoxication, is considered an implied part of this step as well. In fact, all areas of consumption- whether food, drink, or media diet- can be seen as part of this step. Thich Nhat Hanh says, “The basis of Right Action is to do everything in mindfulness.” And everything covers a LOT of ground.
What we do speaks louder often than our words. Ghandi once said, “How I live my life, that is my teaching.” Our integrity finds its tangible home in our actions. So let’s take a month to notice how we live our lives in our actions.
This post is part of my series on the Eightfold Path. You can read all my posts on Right Action here.
