Beyond Sitting Still: Put Your Ethics into Action for a More Peaceful Life

Have you ever had that feeling after saying something unkind, indulging too much, or breaking a promise to yourself? Lately, whenever I engage in such things, I feel like I am not being true to myself. 

So, when I was introduced to ‘The Essence of Ethical Conduct’ in one of my group meditation practices, it felt like a perfect companion to my meditation practice and teachings—a guide to living our daily lives. 

I realized this age-old Buddhist principle is about more than just spirituality or meditation. It is about character building. In this post, I share the ‘The Essence of Ethical Conduct,’ its significance from the experts, and why following them is essential to living a peaceful and happier life.

The Correlation between Meditation & Daily Living

As I continued my spiritual journey over the past few years, I began to see the strong correlation between how I live and my meditation teachings. 

I started to notice the importance of cultivating the right kind of character that can support my teachings. This became even more evident when I engaged in something that didn’t feel right.

Sitting down to meditate can only be so effective if you have just engaged in heated conversations or judged someone harshly. 

Each time, it felt like a tiny prick in my stomach, a personal conflict with who I was trying to become. 

Why Do We Need It? Understanding the Importance of Ethical Conduct

Tim Olmstead, a senior meditation teacher and psychotherapist, says that, as a result of practicing these principles, our monkey mind, which is subject to constant distraction, becomes more tame and wholesome. 

Ethical Conduct involves following five core commitments: refraining from harmful actions such as lying, stealing, killing, inappropriately using intoxicants, and engaging in sexual misconduct. 

It also involves engaging in virtuous actions like contemplation and meditation. It involves being available to help others when needed. 

If we want to help other people, he says, learning how to conduct ourselves in a way that doesn’t cause others harm is essential.

Mingyur Rinpoche, a renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher, talks about how ‘The Essence Of Ethical Conduct’ is like the building block of the house. We need it for effective meditation practice and to be healthy in all aspects of our lives. 

He says one can be very successful, but without these principles, one can make one’s life miserable. Choices made without them can result in consequences that bring us suffering. 

Actions such as tricking someone in business or indulging in excessive substance abuse catch up with us sooner or later, making our lives difficult. 

Ethical Conduct helps us make choices that make us like ourselves more, saving us from the guilt or remorse of making bad decisions. 

Applying the Ethical Conduct to Meditation & Beyond

As we sit down to meditate, Mingyur Rinpoche wants us to remember the direction we like to go and the principles of ethical Conduct. Having both the right mind and proper posture is essential for meditation.

We need a steady body and mind to truly benefit and reap the benefits of meditation and its underlying teachings. Otherwise, it’s like pouring all the knowledge into a container with holes. 

Though following all the rules of Conduct can seem difficult or impossible initially, we can start with minor changes in our daily lives. 

We can be mindful of the content we consume. Does it inspire thoughts and actions that point you in the right direction? 

We can be mindful of who we spend most of our time with. Do their habits align with the habits you are trying to cultivate? 

Over time, we can learn to surround ourselves with the right environment and a like-minded community to set ourselves up for success. 

Embracing Your Ethical Journey

The principles of Ethical Conduct are always on the back of my mind on and off my meditation cushion. They influence my choices and behavior and guide me as I continue my life. I reevaluate and correct the course when I fail to follow the principles.

Living out these principles takes dedication and practice. It’s impossible to conquer them all at once, but you can start by identifying small areas where you can make ethical choices.

Integrating these practices into your life will make you more at peace with yourself and help build meaningful relationships. They can serve as your guiding light as you navigate life, allowing you to make wise choices.

Start your journey today.

Discipline provides us with the support to slow down enough and to be present enough so that we can live our lives without making a mess. 

– Pema Chödrön

Resources: 

Tim’s Olmstead’s teaching on ‘The Essence of Ethical Conduct.’

Mingyur Rinpoche teaching on ‘The Essence of Ethical Conduct’.

Guide to Six Paramitas, principles of Buddhism.