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.
aha
Please indulge me; I need to babble.
A friend was over last night. She was ranting about her parents. She mentioned how her parents still viewed her as a 10 year old. I was jolted out of my mindfulness (focusing on her story) when I realized Buddhism had mentioned how we imagine people a certain way and still retain that image even when they change. She talked about how her mother says hurtful things about her in public settings and I realized being present in the not-self would allow her to observe without taking offense. Her issues with her parents were causing her a considerable amount of grief, and while it wasn't my place to say so, I realized Buddhism could help ease her suffering.
And then I had a literal "aha" moment.
You're not supposed to blindly accept the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Study them, question them, and you will find they stand on their own merits. I thought that was reasonable but didn't give it much thought. Last night I think it finally clicked. This is not theoretical. These are not just suggestions on how to be a good person. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path can really make a difference in our day to day life. Like, wow.
I have actually seen a difference in my own life over the past few months. I'm far more patient and calm than I ever was. I was at the hospital last Friday with my dad. I didn't think it was life-threatening, but I remembered the concept of impermanence and appreciated the time he and I spent together far more than I ever did. There have been other, more subtle changes as well. I've been so wrapped up in learning and in taking the first steps along the Practice that I missed the big picture until last night's aha moment.
So today I'm extra pleased that I think I understand the most basic concept of Buddhism. (Okay you can laugh at me now.)
A friend was over last night. She was ranting about her parents. She mentioned how her parents still viewed her as a 10 year old. I was jolted out of my mindfulness (focusing on her story) when I realized Buddhism had mentioned how we imagine people a certain way and still retain that image even when they change. She talked about how her mother says hurtful things about her in public settings and I realized being present in the not-self would allow her to observe without taking offense. Her issues with her parents were causing her a considerable amount of grief, and while it wasn't my place to say so, I realized Buddhism could help ease her suffering.
And then I had a literal "aha" moment.
You're not supposed to blindly accept the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Study them, question them, and you will find they stand on their own merits. I thought that was reasonable but didn't give it much thought. Last night I think it finally clicked. This is not theoretical. These are not just suggestions on how to be a good person. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path can really make a difference in our day to day life. Like, wow.
I have actually seen a difference in my own life over the past few months. I'm far more patient and calm than I ever was. I was at the hospital last Friday with my dad. I didn't think it was life-threatening, but I remembered the concept of impermanence and appreciated the time he and I spent together far more than I ever did. There have been other, more subtle changes as well. I've been so wrapped up in learning and in taking the first steps along the Practice that I missed the big picture until last night's aha moment.
So today I'm extra pleased that I think I understand the most basic concept of Buddhism. (Okay you can laugh at me now.)
0
Comments
No laughing from me. It sounds like a pretty good start. Having that perspective to see things from can be very helpful.
Congrats!
Matt
Certainly!
With you?
Absolutely!
AT you?
No way!
I'm delighted you had your "aha" moment.
many will tell you I do have a tendency to bang the '4NT and 8Fold Path' drum rather a lot.
I'm of the opinion that everything stems from these teachings, and all teachings return - and find their home and origin - in these.
I personally need no more than this.
In my opinion, no matter how verbose, elaborate or convoluted, no other teaching beats them.
But this is my view and something I hold personally true, and I would recommend you do not take my word for this, but press on in your own way, as you so desire.
But I am so glad you have found a similar fulfilment right now, at this moment.