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Question about renouncing
Hi i started reading a book about the 8 fold path.
My current goals are to lose weight so i can practice jiu jitsu and to study for an exam to qualify for a certain job. also to be part of a social group- i spend a lot of time alone and often "have too much to think".
these arent shallow or materialistic goals- i dont want a better car or bigger tv or anything.
how does renunciation work with these goals? should i renounce them? can i lose the worry but still work towards something good?
My current goals are to lose weight so i can practice jiu jitsu and to study for an exam to qualify for a certain job. also to be part of a social group- i spend a lot of time alone and often "have too much to think".
these arent shallow or materialistic goals- i dont want a better car or bigger tv or anything.
how does renunciation work with these goals? should i renounce them? can i lose the worry but still work towards something good?
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Comments
Firstly you can have such goals of course, but as long as you do not attach yourself so much to these ideas. Try not to put so much hope and happiness into achieving these goals because the future is always uncertain.
I have found that being alone provides the best time to make progress spiritually, gives you time to find some inner peace and tranquility if you use that time correctly. Do you meditate on a day to day basis by any chance? But friendships and relationships are great in life, sure no1 likes to be alone all of the time.
People take buddhism to different extremes, sometimes with progress taking it to further extremes. For example, some people may be aware of the teachings, meditate now and then but indulge in alcohol, sex and work out as they love to see a good reflection in the mirror. Then you can take a monk for another example. They do not mind if they are a little over weight, most of the time they have gotten past the superficial aspects to life and life in the current moment.
I think we should take whatever we want from any religion and use it to better ourselves, be it a little part of it or the entire package. It depends on which path you are on.
Buddhism encourages one to renounce their unskillful habits and desires, and to renounce what's conducive to short-term welfare and happiness in favour of what's conducive to long-term welfare and happiness.
It seems to me that desiring to improve your health and career aren't just skillful, but conducive to your long-term welfare and happiness as well.