Hello Friends and Fellow Explorers of Life's Mysteries,
I trust this message finds you in great spirits!
In last week's newsletter, I recounted how my initial journey to Nepal was sparked by a quest to reconcile my inner mystic and skeptic.
That adventure began back in 2019 at a Tibetan monastery here in Nepal, where I first dipped my toes into the waters of Buddhist teachings. Despite grappling with some of the more mystical aspects of Tibetan traditions, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive.
And so, here I am again, back within the serene confines of the monastery, this time diving deeper with a month-long course and retreat.
Will I emerge from this experience as a bona fide Buddhist?
Well, only time will tell!
So what was it about that initial experience that has me coming back for more?
In this week’s newsletter, I’m excited to share some of the Buddhist concepts that have not only aided me in my quest for some inner peace, but have also deepened my respect and appreciation for this ancient wisdom.
A Second Spin of the Prayer Wheel:
Ten Reasons I'm Drawn Back to Buddhism.
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
1. Kindness:
When I first arrived at the monastery, I was expecting solemn faces and hushed tones. Instead, I was greeted by an outpouring of warmth from everyone – monks, nuns, and students alike. There was an undeniable authenticity and warmth that immediately put me at ease. No one was striving to impress or seek attention. Rather, there was a deep-seated atmosphere of mutual support and heartfelt generosity.
In Buddhism, kindness is not just a moral virtue but a fundamental practice that fosters community and personal growth. It is a central pillar of Buddhist teachings, reflecting the principle of compassion towards all beings, including oneself.
As I found myself embraced by this community of sincere souls, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had finally found my tribe!
"If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path." – Buddha.
2. Compassion:
During our lessons on compassion, our teacher threw out a question that caught me off guard:
‘Who does hurtful things – happy people, or unhappy people?’
This simple question led me to a sudden, clear insight: when people have hurt me in the past, it really wasn’t personal. They were just acting out of their own pain and suffering. This realization sheds new light on hurtful behaviors, making them seem less personal and more deserving of compassion.
Realizing that everyone deserves compassion, no matter what they've done, has really mellowed my inner critic and shifted my perspective. Now, I find myself looking at the world with kinder eyes, even in the middle of tough situations.
"The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. There’s only one moment for you to live." – Buddha
3. Emphasis on Mindfulness:
One morning meditation, as my mind bounced between past mistakes and future worries, the monks began chanting outside. I shifted my focus to concentrate on the deep, resonant sound of their voices. Something clicked, and all my mental noise just melted away. It was a magical moment of deep connection with the present moment.
Scientific research shows that a mindfulness practice can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while enhancing cognitive functions and emotional regulation. It can also improve sleep quality and boost immune function.
Quieting the 'monkey mind' is a journey that requires patience and practice, but with persistence, I have discovered that those blissful moments truly are just a breath away!
4. Non-Theistic Inclusivity:
Buddhism presents itself as a philosophy of introspection and self-exploration, rather than a typical religion. 'Non-theistic' just means it doesn’t revolve around worshipping any gods or deities. The Buddha himself was just a regular guy, albeit an enlightened one.
What really drew me to Buddhism was its practicality. It’s like having a DIY guide for understanding your own mind, with tools like meditation and mindfulness at your fingertips. This emphasis on self-exploration and inner reflection deeply resonated with my skeptical nature, offering a rational approach to finding peace without having to appeal to anything supernatural.
"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." – Buddha
5. Critical Thinking:
On the very first day of class, our teacher dropped a bombshell: she instructed us not to believe anything she said!
“Don't just believe something because I said it, or some ancient guru said it, or because it's written in some revered text. No, you've got to practice the techniques and see how they work for yourself.”
I remember sitting there, rather impressed, as the teacher emphasized that Buddhism is not something to believe in – it's a structured approach for training the mind and cultivating inner peace. By the end of the lesson, it was abundantly clear that critical thinking wasn't just encouraged – it was essential.
"Analytical meditation: where deep thinking meets deep breathing."
6. Analytical Meditations:
I had always thought that meditation was about clearing the mind and eliminating thoughts – so, you can imagine my surprise when our teacher introduced us to analytical meditation. Instead of trying to suppress intrusive or obsessive thoughts, we were encouraged to explore them, methodically examining and questioning them from different angles.
Analytical meditation involves assessing the validity and origins of our thoughts, understanding their effects on our emotions and behaviors, and exploring alternative perspectives.
This systematic approach to self-inquiry led to a series of 'aha' moments, providing me with some clear insights into my habitual thought patterns.
"The root of suffering is attachment." – Buddha
7. Understanding the Nature of Suffering.
When the teacher first broke down the nature of suffering, it was like a lightbulb went off in my head. I had been so wrapped up in trying to control my world, clinging to the nice things and pushing away things that made me uncomfortable.
Buddhism offers a roadmap to understanding how these desires and aversions are the root of suffering. Once that idea clicked, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.
Allowing life's pleasures and challenges to ebb and flow, without holding on too tightly or rejecting what comes my way, has begun to transform my approach to life. I'm learning to embrace this natural rhythm, finding moments of freedom in experiencing the present as it unfolds.
It's an ongoing journey, with some days tougher than others, yet each step forward brings a bit more peace.
“Buddhism must face the facts of modern science, no matter what the consequences. Embracing science is in our best interest and brings deeper understanding and clarity." – Dalai Lama
8. Compatibility with Science:
As science advances, Buddhism has shown an impressive openness to adapt its beliefs in response to new scientific discoveries – and it turns out, science has quite a bit to say about Buddhism too.
Research has highlighted the positive effects of practices like loving-kindness meditation, compassion meditation, mindful breathing, and body scan meditation on happiness and well-being. Scientific studies further confirm their effectiveness in reducing stress, enhancing emotional regulation, increasing empathy, and improving cognitive function.
Personally, the fusion of ancient wisdom and modern science was a game changer for me. Discovering that the techniques I was learning had strong scientific backing not only boosted my confidence in practicing them but also deepened my commitment. For instance, after integrating mindful breathing into my daily routine, I noticed a reduction in nervous anxiety and an improvement in my ability to focus.
All conditioned things are impermanent – when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering." – The Buddha,
9. Embracing Impermanence:
Buddhism teaches that everything in life is subject to change, and accepting this fundamental truth can offer a profound sense of freedom. As people come and go, seasons change, and feelings fluctuate, I've learned to see it all as part of life's natural flow.
By letting go of how things 'should' be, I've found it easier to adapt to life's ups and downs with greater ease and resilience. Instead of resisting change, I’m learning to embrace it, rolling with the punches and framing each new challenge as an opportunity for growth and discovery.
"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." – Buddha
10. Roadmap to Inner Peace:
Finding inner peace might seem like a lofty goal, but Buddhism breaks it down into practical steps. The teachings we’ve explored, such as mindful breathing, practicing kindness and embracing life’s ups and downs – are not just theoretical; they're real actions we can apply daily.
Taking a moment each day to practice mindfulness has calmed my mind, while extending compassion and kindness in challenging situations has opened my heart. These practices have not only guided me toward a more serene state of mind but have also shown me a path to a stable, enduring peace.
Continuing the Journey:
And there you have it, friends – my top ten reasons for returning to the monastery for more exploration and practice. I still have a long way to go before I'm floating on a cloud of constant contentment, and while I recognize that some aspects of Buddhism are not without their criticisms, I still believe it offers a valid path for both believers and skeptics alike.
This journey remains a path of challenges, discovery, and growth, and I am eager to see where it leads next.
Have Your Say!
Am I viewing Buddhism through rose-tinted glasses?
Have you ever had an 'aha' moment that challenged a long-held belief or assumption? What triggered it, and what change did it bring about in your perspective?
How do your views on Buddhism – or any life philosophy – affect your daily life and choices?
I look forward to reading your comments – and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button at the bottom of this e-mail – let me know that you appreciate my posts!
Wishing you all a week filled with curiosity, enlightening conversations, and unexpected insights!
✌️❤️
Grant.
I really enjoyed this Grant! Hope it's going well over there 🌼
Well said, Grant. I agree, as religions go, Buddhism is one of the better ones