The Buddha demanded a lot from his students almost 3,000 years ago. It was all about a quality lifestyle, and vipassana mindfulness meditation was only a small part of his moral code. He was also a kind of existentialist and never sugarcoated how much work it would take to become enlightened.
His Four Noble Truths and Eight-Fold Path are as psychologically profound and behaviorally helpful today as they were back in his day. Do Buddha’s homework and reflect on how you might have fit in with this great spiritual teacher.
The Four Noble Truths – Buddha’s Existential Belief About the Realities of Human Life
1. Human life includes experiences of great suffering. Buddha called this dukkha.
How has suffering happened in your life?
2. People suffer because they crave some people, places and things too much.
What have you craved so much that you suffered for it?
3. To end suffering, you have to stop craving.
Have you ever been able to just quit craving with your own will power?
4. You can end craving by following eight behavioral guidelines.
Could a 3,000-year-old scheme really work? What do you think?
You’re doing great with Buddha’s Homework. Keep going. Here’s the Eight-Fold Path that the Buddha said could put an end to your suffering…..
1. Right Understanding
Every person, place and thing is impermanent, constantly changing and nobody can stop it.
2. Right Determination
Give up harmful and selfish acts and always demonstrate compassion for others.
3. Right Speech:
Say only what is true, kind, necessary and helpful.
4. Right Action:
Do only esteemable acts.
5. Right Livelihood:
Earn your keep in an honest, honorable way that causes no harm.
6. Right Effort:
Work on yourself. Engage in continual self-improvement.
7. Right Mindfulness:
Systematically focus awareness on healthy things and avoid pointless distractions.
8. Right Concentration:
Practice vipassana mindfulness meditation. Hold mindful awareness continuously while awake.
Be mindful of body, emotion, thought, and mind objects.
Now that you have looked at yourself through Buddha’s eyes, are there any areas of your life you might want to upgrade? Name the top three below and jot a note why this will improve your lifestyle.
Lifestyle Improvement #1
Lifestyle Improvement #2
Lifestyle Improvement #3
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