We all have moments of feeling stressed, anxious, or angry
That’s part of the human condition. But when it stretches out into days or even weeks and months, it’s time to get in touch with your inner Buddha.
The key to Buddhism is that all our suffering arises because of this attachment to what is transient and ephemeral. As soon as we have a view of the way things ought to be, and they are not of that way, we suffer.
Rather, we are taught to live in the present, to let go of our attachments – we don’t not care.
Here are some Buddhist teachings that can help you find inner peace:
1. The only constant in life is change.
Everything changes, we change, this is difficult to accept, because if we don’t accept how things are, when things are different than how we can accept them, then we suffer.
2. Suffering is caused by our attachments.
This is because we are attached to things not as they are, but how we would like them to be. When we are attached, if it changes or even ends, we suffer.
3. The present moment is all we have.
Because the past is over. The future is uncertain. But this – this very moment – it’s all we actually have. That is why it is so important, so hey, dad, pay attention, to try to live in this present, not get so hung up on the past or the future.
4. We are not our thoughts.
There’s nothing there. This is just a thought. Nothing more. No matter how strong, ugly or dominant it is, this is just a thought. The truth is our thoughts are just thoughts. The real you is so much more than a thought. About the author: Mark Black, BA, MS, specialises in working with therapists on the personal and professional challenges that come from making a commitment to their own personal growth. You can connect with him on Twitter @howihelpheal.
5. We can’t control everything.
Trying to control what happens to us is a pretty good way of guaranteeing your suffering. We can’t control what arises in our lives but we can control our attitude towards it.
6. We all have Buddha nature.
Buddha-nature is that aspect which ‘has’ the potential – potentially liberated from all schemata and delusions – to attain buddhahood or Enlightenment, or it is that aspect that is already itself realised, as what is pure, peaceful and wise and thus has no need to be buddha, because it already is. If we dive deep into our interiority, we are able to access this aspect of ourselves, that is buried beneath the ego, delusions and attachments.
7. Meditation is a powerful tool.
The meditator can attempt to still his mind, to see his thoughts, to connect with his Buddha nature. Meditation can be another way to find peace within oneself.
8. Letting go is not giving up.
Letting go of an attachment, then, is not so much a renunciation as it is an acceptance. We accept what we care about, but we do not cling to it, and this idea does not carry the unfortunate connotation of non-schedule. Sometimes, it can happen right away – or it can happen later.
9. Compassion is key.
Probably the most important thing we can do for ourselves and for each other is compassion.— The Dalai LamaIts importance cannot be overstated. Compassion is human kindness. It is at the heart of a happy and contented life.
10. We are all interconnected.
We are all one, and whatever we do, we do to ourselves. In acting poorly to others, we destroy the conditions of our own happiness. In acting gently and with care, we make the world a better place for us all.
They are only some of the great wisdoms of Buddhism that can help us reach a place of peace within ourselves. For anyone inspired to learn more about this religion, further resources can be found.
