Shri Jagat Singh Bisht
(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)
Authored six books on happiness: Cultivating Happiness, Nirvana – The Highest Happiness, Meditate Like the Buddha, Mission Happiness, A Flourishing Life, and The Little Book of Happiness. He served in a bank for thirty-five years and has been propagating happiness and well-being among people for the past twenty years. He is on a mission – Mission Happiness!
🍀Walking Gently in the World: The Buddha’s Teaching on Right Action in Modern Life 🌺
Two thousand five hundred years ago, under the cool shade of a tree and the warmth of boundless compassion, the Buddha spoke of a path that could lead humanity from suffering to peace — the Noble Eightfold Path. One of its luminous limbs is Right Action, a gentle but firm call to live with purity, integrity and care.
🍀What is Right Action?🍁
Right Action, as the Buddha taught, refers to those deeds that spring from the body — the things we physically do — and he urged us to refrain from actions that bring harm or suffering to others. Specifically, he highlighted three areas of restraint:
- Abstaining from taking life – not just human life, but any sentient being.
- Abstaining from taking what is not given – in other words, not stealing.
- Abstaining from sexual misconduct – refraining from harmful or illicit sexual relations.
But these are not mere prohibitions. They are deeply rooted in compassion, truthfulness, and self-respect. Each of them has a positive counterpart, a virtue we are encouraged to nurture.
☘️Kindness Instead of Harm🍁
To refrain from taking life means not to harm, not even in anger, irritation, or revenge. But more than that, it is a call to love life — to develop a deep kindness and compassion for all beings, whether they crawl, fly, swim, or walk on two legs like us. In today’s world, this could mean caring for animals, protecting nature, and choosing non-violence in word and deed — even when provoked.
🍀Honesty Instead of Theft🍁
To refrain from taking what is not given is not only about avoiding theft or robbery. It is a celebration of honesty and trust. In today’s context, this extends to not cheating in business, not committing fraud, not misusing public funds, or manipulating others for gain. It is respecting what belongs to others — whether it’s a physical object, an idea, a boundary, or a dream.
☘️Fidelity Instead of Misconduct🍁
Sexual misconduct causes deep sorrow and unrest in families and society. The Buddha’s simple advice was to avoid entering into relationships that cause harm — to be faithful, respectful, and mindful of others’ emotions and dignity. In our time, this extends to rejecting all forms of coercion, harassment, and exploitation. Love must be founded on respect and mutual willingness, not power or deceit.
🌻The Message for Our Times🌻
When we reflect upon these teachings in the light of today’s world, their relevance shines brighter than ever. Right Action in our times means:
No killing, no violence, no war — even if wrapped in patriotic words.
No terrorism, no hatred that divides communities.
No stealing, no scams, no fraud — whether small or systemic.
No abuse of power, no sexual violence, no betrayal of trust.
No stirring up of conflict for personal or political gain.
Instead, we are called to become guardians of trust, harmony, and human dignity. We are urged to build a world where peace is the norm, not the exception; where people live not in fear of harm, but in the warmth of mutual care.
🍀A Path of Healing🍀
The world today stands wounded. War, injustice, unrest, and exploitation have left deep scars. But the Buddha’s path remains timeless — a balm to the spirit and a guide to the heart. Right Action is not about rigid rules; it is about living gently, wisely, and with great care — as if every being we meet is a friend whose happiness matters.
Let us not walk through this world with clenched fists, but with open hands and hearts. Let our actions be the kind that plant seeds of peace, trust, and joy.
For in the end, Right Action is not only about what we must avoid, but about the world we choose to create.
🍀🍀🌺🍀🍀
© Jagat Singh Bisht
Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker
Founder
A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.
The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.
≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM
