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Day to Day
How do you all practice Budhism on a day to day basis? What things do you do each day to further move along the path?
Since I have started practicing/studying I have tried to mediatate whenever possible (need more practice on that one though), I also try to watch what I say in order to not harm others around me with the potty mouth I admit I have, I try to be aware of actions that I take and what the outcome of them might be, trying to curb my stress which until recently brought on unneccessary agitation, I've been reading alot too....
Since I have started practicing/studying I have tried to mediatate whenever possible (need more practice on that one though), I also try to watch what I say in order to not harm others around me with the potty mouth I admit I have, I try to be aware of actions that I take and what the outcome of them might be, trying to curb my stress which until recently brought on unneccessary agitation, I've been reading alot too....
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Believing that this world is not fully real, nor fully unreal, either, helps me to keep my perspective and an upbeat mood.
Bliss Is the Only Way!
Nirvana
I don't know.
wow, I'm a bit surprised by your answer. You usually have alot to say with such open ended questions. Maybe I don't know you to well yet.:)
By being me
Knowing how to live each day, is a mystery... one never knows what the day will bring... you just have to handle, face and tackle every Moment, according to the Moment you are in....
None of us has a Groundhog day, so it's a question of evaluating each Moment as it arrives....And he wouldn't know how to tackle your Moments for you... he can only tackle his own....
I'm more verbose than ZenMonk, and I would never presume to speak on his behalf....
but maybe that's what he means by it.....:wavey:
Besides some minor things, I really don't do anything differently because of Buddhist beleiefs. I still love music, laughing, childish pranks, and extremely rude noises...
Hay foot. Straw foot.
this hits the nail right on the head for how I have been lately. I am trying more and more to incorporate some meditation into my day. That so far has been the hardest but I am trying to make at least 15 minutes of my day to meditate.
thanks for your responses everyone.
I'm not sure if I'm doing it correctly either, and although at first I have a hard time concentrating I just give myself an extra couple minutes and mentally just speak to myself to keep calm. I have had a few good meditations that when I stop I feel great, I almost don't want to stop sometimes but daily life interferes. I could still use alot more practice. :smilec:
I don't try to stop my thoughts since they are relative to my actions (or non-action) at that moment. I figure that since I am just getting used to this, I would just let it go and see what happens...know the goal but take the unknown path to get there, so to speak.
I look forward to the unknown!
I know that I am 'supposed' to be sitting, breathing, letting it all go....don't let anything distract you. The effect is supposed to be ( I feel silly that I am asking about this) calming, centering....etc.
A little background info...I live in a beatuiful area where Lake Ontario and the Niagara River meet (about 13 miles from the infamous Niagara Falls, NY). When I do my daily walk, I go along the river to the lake. Anyway, while on these... what I used to refer to as my meditative walks...I do a lot of centering, sorting out, calming, realizing...
is that anything close to what mediation would be???
Also, one thing I've really noticed from my own experience is that I myself, and human beings in general, tend to over-complicate things. The simplest things are the hardest to do, because we think "That's it? That's all there is to it? I must be doing it wrong..." Thus, going through your day, simply and mindfully, doing what must be done and suchlike, can be very, very hard, if you are too worried about it!
As far as guidelines for day-to-day living, I have been reading "How to Practice" by HH the Dalai Lama, and have found it to be an interesting and helpful read. Very practical information, but obviously based off of the Tibetan tradition. Still, he gives suggestions for taking these practices over to other traditions or even other religions, so that it could be helpful to anyone who would like to make use of it.
:wavey: Hope this helps!
Pandy
I'm glad you used the term "Smple" because indeed, that's exactly what it is.
Simple.
However (and I sound like a stuck record)
.....'Simple' doesn't mean 'Easy'.....
I am (and was) going to stick with what works best for me. I will however give the sitting more practice...
In the books I've read about meditating, authors give steps and thoughts (for lack of a better term) to get you started. Quite frankly, I find them to be distracting. :hrm: I'm so occupied thinking of them (the 'steps') that I don't FOCUS!
Thanks for your input!
Marybeth
I think the best way I can describe what I do is 'being mindful of everything I do while opening myself up to the world'. Before I discovered Buddhism, I was a temperamental hothead, and used to fly off the handle at the slightest provocation- I really used to put myself at odds with the way life is. Now, I have a much calmer temperament, and take the time to think before responding to anything. Because of this, I became more open to people in general, and more receptive to others.
There's a part of Max Ehrmann's beautiful poem 'Desiderata' that sums this attitude up wonderfully:
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Besides this, I read Buddhist literature, and take time to ponder upon what I've read, and whenever possible, I try to meditate. Like you, I'm still new to this practice, so it doesn't come easy. Above all else, I also make sure to be patient and gentle with myself. I hope this helps!
Peace.
Padawan, I really like the poem you quoted! That sounds like a great way to go at life. Preserve your ideals, but listen to everyone else, never stop investigating the world...
Thank you!
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann
Peace.
I particularly like the "even the dull and ignorant, they too have their stories" - I used to have a poster of it on my wall so I saw it every morning but I lost it in the move. Mind if I copy it out of your post? I can? Oh you are so kind. :bigclap: bigclap: bigclap:
Thank you, though!
Could I ever use a dose of that!!
"You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."
How utterly beautiful, and just what the Buddha said.
till you are clothed with the heavens, and crowned with the stars:
and perceive yourself to be the sole heir of the whole world,
and more than so, because men are in it
who are every one sole heirs as well as you.
Till you can sing and rejoice and delight in God,
as misers do in gold, and Kings in scepters,
you never enjoy the world.
Till your spirit filleth the whole world,
and the stars are your jewels;
till you are as familiar with the ways of God in all Ages
as with your walk and table;
till you are intimately acquainted with that shady nothing
out of which the world was made;
till you love men so as to desire their happiness,
with a thirst equal to the zeal of your own;
till you delight in God for being good to all:
you never enjoy the world.
Till you more feel it than your private estate,
and are more present in the hemisphere,
considering the glories and the beauties there,
than in your own house;
till you remember how lately you were made,
and how wonderful it was when you came into it;
and more rejoice in the palace of your glory,
than if it had been made but today morning.
Yet further, you never enjoy the world aright,
till you so love the beauty of enjoying it,
that you are covetous and earnest to persuade others to enjoy it….
The world is a mirror of infinite beauty, yet no man sees it.
It is a Temple of Majesty, yet no man regards it.
It is a region of Light and Peace, did not men disquiet it.
It is the Paradise of God.
It is more to man since he is fallen than it was before.
It is the place of Angels and the Gate of Heaven.
When Jacob waked out of his dream, he said
"God is here, and I wist it not.
How dreadful is this place!
This is none other than the House of God
and the Gate of Heaven.
- Thomas Traherne, 17th Century Anglican Mystic
Words fail me.
Deteriorata!
The following poem was not found in an old Baltimore church:
Introduction
You are a fluke
Of the universe.
You have no right to be here.....
Deteriorata! Deteriorata!
Go placidly
Amid the noise and waste.
And remember what comfort there may be
In owning a piece thereof.
Avoid quiet and passive persons
Unless you are in need of sleep.
Ro-tate your tires.
Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself
And heed well their advice,
Even though they be turkeys.
Know what to kiss.....and when!
Consider that two wrongs never make a right
But that THREE.........do.
Wherever possible, put people on hold.
Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment
And despite the changing fortunes of time,
There is always a big future in computer main-te-nance.
Chorus
You are a fluke
Of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back.
Remember the Pueblo.
Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle and mu-ti-late.
Know yourself.
If you need help, call the FBI.
Exercise caution in your daily affairs,
Especially with those persons closest to you.
That lemon on your left, for instance.
Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls
Would scarcely get your feet wet.
Fall not in love therefore;
It will stick to your face.
Gracefully surrender the things of youth:
The birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan
And let not the sands of time
Get in your lunch.
Hire people with hooks.
For a good time call 606-4311;
Ask for "Ken."
Take heart amid the deepening gloom
That your dog is finally getting enough cheese.
And reflect that whatever misfortune may be your lot
It could only be worse in Milwaukee.
Chorus
You are a fluke
Of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back.
Therefore, make peace with your god
Whatever you conceive him to be---
Hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin.
With all its hopes, dreams, promises and urban renewal
The world continues to deteriorate.
GIVE UP!
Reprise
You are a fluke
Of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back.
Performed by National Lampoon on "National Lampoon Radio Dinner," a 1972 recording by Blue Thumb Records. Lyrics by Tony Hendra.
To most of my friends, I have always been the 'weird' one, oh there's Mar going off again getting philosophical ... I am the one that questions (almost) everything, appreciates culture and world religion, and thinks outside the box.
Religion is not someting that comes at the table very often, but every now and then I will through in a tid bit...especially if people's attitudes towards others starts to go awry.
Last night I noticed just how, well to put it frankly, shallow, my friends can be (I am not judging, as I used to get wrapped up into it also). I don't always feel it's right to pipe up and say anything...but at the same time, it's very difficult to NOT say ANYTHING!
If I do, I try to remember Right Speech and Right Intention...as I would explain to whomever cared to listen. More often than not, I am the 'butt if the joke' again.
Has anyone ever experienced this??? And how would I respond??
Adiana:usflag:
From what I can tell, and it is just my perception of your situation, the more you study Buddhism in depth, and understand the teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, you are dwelling in Mindfulness and Awareness... So what before passed glibly by, is now more crystal clear... Things are more acute, and the more you question your own motives (through right View, Intention, Speech, Awareness, Effort and Meditation/Mindfulness) the more the mundane and "unconscious' way of living is brought into stark reality.
Happens to me all the time.....
But I can equate... Without trying to sound patronising and superior, when you can start to "see things as they really are"... you also start to wonder why nobody else can see it! It's so clear!! :thumbsup:
Am I close?
Thanks for the Desiderata link too
ZMG - wow! copied to go on the wall. Deep thanks.
I am just knocked out by this text - going back to seeing what is Right with other religions first, this was written by an Anglican priest (not a breed I would have as a pet but ....) and his writing could be used in any pagan ritual - breathtaking!
thank you.
Yes, I think this may be the natural way of things. The practice of Buddhism requires that we wake up and grow up. And that usually means leaving others behind as you grow away from them. It's very difficult to live with those who haven't even heard the alarm clock go off. You're changing and they aren't which is natural. Perhaps you could relate to them on a different level?
Personally, I haven't been able to do that. Many of my oldest friends are further away from me than complete strangers. I really can't talk to them about anything. All they seem to want to talk about is gossip and how much they despise this or that. And they look to me as their friend to validate their negativity and foolishness and I just can't and won't do it. It's exhausting to me just to be around them. I feel like their sucking the life right out of me. I think that may be one of the reasons a sangha is so important, so that you have people to grow apace with you, to discuss this process and practice and to have a similar set of ethics and boundaries as you have.
When I had that temper tantrum and stormed out of here vowing never to return I was overcome with grief at the thought of losing my community. This threw me for a loop as I have always preferred to be alone. I've been very social in my life but in truth I'd always just wanted to be left alone to my thoughts. I'm not one of those people who need people. Until I came here. Two of the lessons I learned were that I was a little too attached to this sangha and should keep an eye on this attachment and the other was a renewed and wider appreciation for it. I know I must be able to give it up at any moment but I will enjoy and learn from it right now, in this moment.
When it comes to relating to the people who ARE in my life I just do what you do; take it as an opportunity to practice, which is great. And I don't get sentimental about growing away from my old friends. I see them for what they are and if they ever ask about the Dhamma I will gladly explain in simple terms the small amount I have learned so far and point them to better sources than me if they're interested.
Actually this brings up a funny story. A couple of years ago I went back home to Montreal to my high school reunion. I also met up with my "gang", the people I had really hung out with since I was 12 and who didn't actually go to my high school. They brought me out to dinner and as we were catching up they asked me what I was doing and among other things I told them I was in the first stages of studying Buddhism. I wasn't expecting much, maybe a few eyes rolling toward heaven, as these were the people who had often told me not to try to discuss the current book I was reading because "Brigid, we don't READ books. Could we talk about something a little more interesting?". But, lo and behold, one of my friends responded "Oh. Non-attachment". People can surprise you, can't they? Unfortunately the discussion didn't go any further than that. Nobody else wanted to talk about "deep" stuff. LOL!
Love,
Brigid.
P.S. I wonder where Craig is?
P.P.S. Knitwitch, I LOVE your new signature!
Brigid...I agree with what you said. I am growing/changing, etc. They are not. But, it is so heartbreaking to think they I may not have them in my life. One-on-one, a few of them are more interested and open-minded. But in the group, i guess it's not 'cool' to THINK and READ and what a better, more peaceful life. :downhand:
I have found a wonder place here to share my thoughts and questions...for that I am grateful!:thumbsup:
I cannot explain, as many of you have said also, the positive effects of the Eight fold Path has had on me!
yeah Brigid...I wonder why and how they can not see it!!!!
Bless you sweetheart, you have just brought into sharp focus the one thing many of us have difficulty in tackling....*Gasps....!*
'The Attachment Issue'....! (*Dhuh - Dhuh - Dhuuuuh!!*)
The Clinging and persistent desire to retain what gives and brings us pleasure, because we dread imagining Life without them.....
You can still remain attached to people/things, providing you understand that the Nature of E V E R Y T H I N G is transitory... them and you....Be attached. just don't cling.... like pine-tree sap....
Tastes change, fashions come and go....
Rather than lament the loss, rejoice in the fact that they are with you even if for only part of the way. It all counts. It all makes a difference. How we use our experiences is what makes us... and helps us to put one foot in front of the other.....!!
Despite being well into our 30's they still like nothing more than going out on a pub crawl and getting totally wasted. I've said it before but I really don't like getting too drunk as I don't enjoy waking up in a pile of puke - I've done it once and that was enough! I do still drink (mmm, whisky!!) but not as often as I used to since I started doing Reiki as the desire for drinking just seemed to disappear.
Recently 13 of us went snowboarding and one night we went out to the local club. By some miracle I managed to make my one drink last the entire evening while everyone else got rat-arsed. I just sat there thinking what fools they were making of themselves and sure enough the next day the majority of them had evil hangovers and they'd managed to offend the group of girls that happened to be sharing the chalet with us!!
Don't get me wrong, I love my mates but since learning Reiki and then going on to study Buddhism I'm very much aware of the fact that I'm in real danger of alienating myself from them. Mind you, they've always thought I was weird!
This is part of 'Skillful looking at what we have to offer'.... let's not be so deprecating about ourselves, huh?
Some day they might come to terms with it and be able to watch me drinking mineral water without feeling sorry for me (:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: ) just as some day friends who don't understand those studying Buddhism might come to terms with that.
Well I certainly don't intend on kicking them out the door!! But I hope that they recognize my life's change (for the better) and take note!
I did initially think that I would have to rid of everything in my life that caused negativity, or people who didn't accept the "new" Marybeth. But I suppose that would be a bit snubbish and elitist wouldn't it??
Am I weird??? No. I know I am not 'supposed' to compare....BUT...I am the most satisfied and happy out of the lot!!!!
Simon, many thanks for the Deteriorata- LMAO! and ZMG- many thanks for that poem- it was truly beautiful. I shall keep a copy of that right next to Desiderata.