MessageToEagle.com – You don’t have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the knowledge and wisdom of the Far East. The teachings of Buddha can easily be applied to us all and to all situations we must face in our daily lives.
Every living being has the same basic wish – to be happy and to avoid suffering. We spend our whole life working hard to fulfill this wish.
Since this world evolved, human beings have spent much time and energy improving external conditions in their search for happiness and a solution to their many problems.
When things go wrong in our life and we encounter difficult situations we tend to regard the situation itself as the problem, but in reality whatever problems we experience come from the side of the mind.
If we were to respond to difficult situations with a positive or peaceful mind they would not be problems for us; indeed we may even come to regard them as challenges or opportunities for growth and development.
Problems arise only if we respond to difficulties with a negative state of mind. Therefore, if we want to be free from problems we must learn to control our mind.
Buddha was an Indian philosopher, spiritual teacher in the north eastern region of the Indian subcontinent who founded Buddhism.
In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme and “the enlightened one.”
Born and bread to be a king, Buddha left all his worldly pleasures and possessions to learn about the world and find the true meaning of existence. After being shielded from both religion and human suffering during his life, he had eye and mind-opening experiences through travel, meditation, and study that would lay the groundwork for one of the world’s most prominent religions. (c. 563 BCE to 483
Here is some advice from Buddha how we can change our life and make it better simply by controlling what is going on in our minds.
- Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.
Buddha states here, clearly and succinctly, the core teaching of every spiritual tradition in the history of this planet. He taught that happiness, peace and true well-being can only ever come from within. Seeking happiness, love and peace in external things is fruitless, frustrating and keeps you distracted from the joy that is already within you. This doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy the world. What it really means is simply that you shouldn’t expect to find lasting wholeness in ‘things’ or ‘out there’.
- Control your mind or it will control you.
To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him. It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways. This is exactly why controling your mind is an essentila part in the teachings of Buddha.
- Let go off fear.
Everyone is afraid. That’s natural. However, the whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.” The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed. Fear limits your potential.
- The secret of good health is to live fully in the NOW.
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.
- Thoughts become things.
All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.” Buddha said, “The mind is everything. What you think you become.
- It’s not what you say but what you do that defines you.
A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise. A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker. It’s very logical. Action is what really counts in life.
- Be kind to all.
Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant with the weak and wrong. Sometime in your life, you will have been all of these.” Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little. Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.
- Be thankful
Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.”
There’s always something to be thankful for. Don’t be so pessimistic that for a moment, even a split moment, you fail to realize the thousands of things you have to be thankful for. Everyone didn’t wake up this morning; some people went to sleep last night for the last time. There’s always something to be grateful for, recognize it, and give thanks.
A grateful heart will make you great!
- Live in harmony
Do not look outside for something that can be found only in your heart. The harmony you find outside can only distract you from the true reality. The true harmony can be found only inside.
- Don’t hesitate to start small
All people start out small. If you are determined and patient, you will reach success. No one can succeed overnight: success comes to those who are ready to start small and work hard.
Start by trying this and you’ll get a different approach to life.
Do you you any other Buddha lessons you found usefull in your life? Let us know in the comment section below.
© MessageToEagle.com
References:
The 3 Best Bits of Advice the Buddha Ever Gave