REFLECTION OCT 3

CONSTRUCTIVE ACTION
Oct. 3
Its important to remember that no action that is taken occurs in isolation and that every action, no matter how skillful, compassionate or well-intentioned still produces karmic consequences.

Each thing we do sits in the context of our other actions and intentions, so when we act we are also preparing ourselves to repeat a similar intention and action in the future. Each action is part of the flow of our lives. One act of kindness or compassion in the context of a grasping and hateful life will have few beneficial consequences. Its like doing a tai chi sequence. If we are inattentive, we may do it correctly once in a while by chance. If we establish a good habit of frequent practice, most of the time we are correct and improving.

Every action within the realm of conditioning has a karmic consequence. Every action we take, no matter how constructive or skillful it may be will still produce its results for us. I would offer that the popularly held Zen-coloured belief that when we act with non-attachment, it is the Way acting, not us. Hmmm? I would agree with other commentators that this is an old excuse to justify selfish action. Fighting and killing will have their consequences - no matter how non-attached we may be, simple because we are not acting as Buddhas, we are acting as conditioned beings. There's no way around that.

from Akashaloka,
Ray Innen Parchelo