Amidst our series on the Noble Eightfold Path, we’re currently exploring the territory of sila, which refers to our ethical conduct, behavior, virtue, and ways we show up in our everyday life.

Last week, we started a three week series on “wise consumption,” and largely focused on ways we consume unwisely, looking especially at what motivates those consumption choices & behaviors.  In this talk, we’re going to explore more explicitly what it means to consume wisely.  As a base, we’ll use the following passage from Thich Nhat Hanh, which is his rendition on the fifth precept:

“Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivating good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I will ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation of society.”