Impact of Habit Formation
During a research experiment a marine biologist placed a shark into a large holding tank and then released several small bait fish into the tank.
As you would expect, the shark quickly swam around the tank, attacked and ate the smaller fish.
The marine biologist then inserted a strong piece of clear fiberglass into the tank, creating two separate partitions. She then put the shark on one side of the fiberglass and a new set of bait fish on the other.
Again, the shark quickly attacked. This time, however, the shark slammed into the fiberglass divider and bounced off. Undeterred, the shark kept repeating this behavior every few minutes to no avail. Meanwhile, the bait fish swam around unharmed in the second partition. Eventually, about an hour into the experiment, the shark gave up.
This experiment was repeated several dozen times over the next few weeks. Each time, the shark got less aggressive and made fewer attempts to attack the bait fish, until eventually the shark got tired of hitting the fiberglass divider and simply stopped attacking altogether.
The marine biologist then removed the fiberglass divider, but the shark didn’t attack. The shark was trained to believe a barrier existed between it and the bait fish, so the bait fish swam wherever they wished, free from harm. This experiment illustrates that the formation of habits has a significant impact on biology.
Humans are also creatures of habit, and habits become second nature. Human behavior is often governed by habits, and as long as something is done or said repeatedly, it gradually becomes a habit, and people start doing or saying it unconsciously. Some people constantly use foul language or lie, and it has become a habit for them. Therefore, changing these habits is not an easy task.
Buddhist practice places great emphasis on verbal karma (the consequences of one’s speech). If a person cultivates virtuous speech karma, they will speak kindly, offer comfort, encouragement, praise others, and even propagate the Dharma, thereby achieving immeasurable merit. On the other hand, if one engages in unwholesome speech karma, they will use hurtful and negative words, twist the truth, sow discord, and create a negative impact, thus planting the seeds of negative karma. Therefore, in our daily lives, we should be mindful of our speech. Speak when it’s necessary, and refrain from speaking when it’s not. In addition to refraining from false speech, divisive speech, and harsh speech, we should also avoid frivolous speech, which means not engaging in meaningless or idle chatter.
When we speak, we should naturally utter words that are meaningful, moral, or beneficial to others. However, in reality, this is often not the case. Whenever a small group of people gathers for casual conversation, they tend to talk about various things, cracking jokes to make others laugh, or uttering words that lack propriety, or even resorting to explicit or suggestive language, which can lead others to have improper thoughts. Some may use flattering or sweet talk to make themselves more likable. Engaging in such meaningless conversations can mislead others and lead them astray, which is truly a wrongdoing. Many individuals who were initially pure-minded may, under the influence of frivolous speech, become cunning and engage in inappropriate behavior.
A person who frequently engages in frivolous talk, no matter where they go, is often met with comments like, “Here comes that unserious person again,” and people tend to hold a kind of contemptuous attitude towards them. Frivolous speech can confuse and harm people’s moral values, so we should distance ourselves from it. For those who are practicing Buddhism, when they meet each other, they should ask questions like: “Have you been diligent in your practice lately? Are you focused in your recitation of the Buddha’s name? Have you made progress in meditation?” Encouraging and challenging each other in this way can help avoid complacency and steer clear of frivolous speech.
The Buddhist scriptures state, “If a person can distance themselves from frivolous speech, they will earn the respect of those with wisdom. They will decisively answer any question, and because they have never engaged in falsehood, they will attain the most excellent virtues.”
Speaking is a crucial aspect of participating in social life. It not only affects the success or failure of one’s personal endeavors but also plays a significant role in the happiness of family life. It is hoped that everyone speaks with sincerity and cultivates good habits, which will contribute to a harmonious society and a fulfilling family life.
Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2023/09/07/the-shark-and-the-glass-wall/
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Peace LiLy 