Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register
Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04
Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.

Buddhist way of dealing with Education/studying

XKarmaXXKarmaX
edited November 2009 in Buddhism Basics
I was just thinking what would be the buddhist way of dealing with studying for exams/test in school because i have all these exams next week and everytime ive tried to study in the past i always tend to get lazy and get distracted by something . What is my problem and how can i get rid of my distractions (mostly computer chatting MSN ) , laziness using the buddhist way .

Comments

  • NamelessRiverNamelessRiver Veteran
    edited November 2009
    Maybe what you need is a purpose. Not just a feeling of "I should be doing this" or knowing what you are supposed to be doing. You should ponder about what you want your life to be like, inside or outside a Buddhist context, until you feel the drive to do it.

    You will notice that, whatever path you choose, study will play a big role. The first burst of energy might fade away, but keep doing it. Motivation doesn't come from nowhere, you need to cultivate it. The key to effort is happiness, so don't just drag yourself into doing things out of guilt.

    I was watching a movie last night and this teacher was saying to one of his students that the problem of adulthood is that when you notice you are grown up you are already dozens of decisions into it.

    Finding motivation to really live is one of those major decisions even older people like to forsake. Be grateful you met it at such a young age: it will make your life more meaningful.

    After that, life becomes less complicated. Good luck with your studies :tonguec:
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited November 2009
    Look at the eightfold path.
    What are you adhering to, what are you not adhering to?

    Simple really.....
  • ValtielValtiel Veteran
    edited November 2009
    Look at the eightfold path.
    What are you adhering to, what are you not adhering to?

    Simple really.....

    In theory. :p

    I think NamelessRiver gave really good advice in regards to the laziness issue.
    What is my problem and how can i get rid of my distractions (mostly computer chatting MSN ) , laziness using the buddhist way.

    Mmm well I suppose a Buddhist way would be to realize that nothing truly exists, including MSN, and then your problem does not exist. :eek:

    But I only kid. The only way, whether Buddhist or not, is to either turn off your pc or uninstall MSN for now. :p
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited November 2009
    My personal experience is that this is a very difficult problem. (Here I am, chatting on a Buddhist website, when I have a manuscript to do which people were expecting yonks ago... "At least it's a Sunday...") You are conflicted about your studies. You need to resolve that conflict, and find a way to comfortably commit to pursuing your studies. A consistent meditation practice can help to see the conflict clearly and develop the strength necessary for the commitment, but resolution of the conflict and making the commitment are the essential steps.
  • DhammaDhatuDhammaDhatu Veteran
    edited November 2009
    Reflect upon the benefits of study & the short comings of not studying.

    Develop some enthusiasm for your study by generating aspiration for your life.

    Your preparation for your exams is only for a short time. It is impermanent.

    But the results of your study is for a long time. It is relatively permanent.

    :)
  • LyssaLyssa
    edited November 2009
    I would keep in mind that truly concentrated study for a short time yields more benefit than a scattered mind's study for a long time. Meditation will certainly improve your power of concentration.

    On a practical note, I sometimes use a timer when I have to do a task that I am resistant to doing. I'll set it for 5 or 10 minutes (or however long I think I can concentrate), and commit to fully absorbing myself in the task with single-minded concentration for just that long. 5 or 10 minutes of concentrated study is better than an hour of half-hearted effort.
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited November 2009
    I've always found this essay inspiring.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited November 2009
    o0Mundus-Vult-Decipi0o wrote: »
    In theory. :p
    And in practise, too....

    It's merely a means of ingraining self-discipline, in the original and best teaching the Buddha ever gave.
    It IS simple, but let us not mistake the term 'simple' for 'easy'.....
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited November 2009
    Seems like some defilements get in the way of self-discipline...
  • LincLinc Site owner Detroit Moderator
    edited November 2009
    Buddhist or non-Buddhist, studying can be a test of willpower and concentration. If your goal is the short-term ability to study for your next test, it will simply be a test of what you're capable of right now. If your goal is to have a different attitude in the future, then look further into Buddhism and meditation and do the work on yourself steadily over time.
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited November 2009
    My experience as a tutor suggests that the main thing holding people back in their studies is fear and shame regarding academic performance. That's a tough thing to address using willpower and self-discipline alone, though I suppose it must be possible, if you want it badly enough.
  • ClaytonClayton
    edited November 2009
    Thanks Five bells for posting that link i'm reading it right now...
  • shenpennangwashenpennangwa
    edited November 2009
    XKarmaX wrote: »
    I was just thinking what would be the buddhist way of dealing with studying for exams/test in school because i have all these exams next week and everytime ive tried to study in the past i always tend to get lazy and get distracted by something . What is my problem and how can i get rid of my distractions (mostly computer chatting MSN ) , laziness using the buddhist way .
    Manjushri practice.
  • ValtielValtiel Veteran
    edited November 2009
    I don't think Manjushri is going to be of any benefit, especially when the exams are apparently only days away for him at this point. In fact, it would just be another distraction. ;)
Sign In or Register to comment.