bud bud buddhist

If I were to suddenly become religious, I think I would go with Buddhism.

I have been intrigued by Buddhist principles over the past 5 years or so since I was given a book for my birthday by the Dalai Lama book called the ‘The Art of Happiness’.

Some may think it is difficult to apply Buddhist principles to everyday modern life but I think you can take bits from it and apply it to your life and take what you like from it.

At a very basic level, here are my top 4 buddhist principles I love:

1. Positivity - “sem” (tibetan word for mind) = not just referring to someone’s cognitive ability or intellectual ability but includes the heart and mind. With the right mental attitude and repeated practise of positivity, negative effects on our mind remain on the surface, like the waves that may ripple on the surface of an ocean but don’t have much effect deep down!
2. Happiness in a Material World - material things have very little impact on our long term happiness. If you have the mental attitude that wants more and more, eventually you’ll reach a limit of what you can get; you’ll come up against it (reality)… lose all hope and sink (so you need another sense of worth).
3. Pleasure and Happiness - we often confuse the two. Frame every decision with “will it bring me happiness?”.
   

   This shifts the focus from what we are denying ourselves (such as indulging in drugs or eating that third piece of cake) to what we are seeking, a state of happiness that remains. Think one night stands - temporary satisfaction or long term happiness? Identify those factors in your life that lead to happiness and those that lead to suffering (self-awareness).

4. Intimacy, Love and Compassion - there is a tremendous emphasis in our society on the endless pursuit of romantic love (finding “the one”). If we extend intimacy to friendship, it opens up unlimited possibilities and opportunities for connection (broaden the definition of intimacy in our lives). The Japanese rely more on friendships for intimacy whereas other cultures may rely only on relationships. Love and cherish everyone.

This is a tiny slice of Buddhism, which I believe has merit.

photo i took of gyoto monks at WOMAD

We spent some time with the Gyoto Monks at the world arts & music festival and attended a workshop with the Monks making traditional peace trees. Being in their presence brought calmness. Without any words, you could tell they were all happy, content, with trained minds, void of negative thoughts.

What I like about Buddhism is there is no culture of trying to recruit punters to the cause (as with some other religions) or preaching, you find it yourself if you choose.

I am sharing my experience of buddhism because it really has changed the way I think.

Take what you like from it, or leave it. It’s completely up to you.

Where do you find your inspiration? Would love to hear your thoughts.