I think I have lived long enough to have gained at least some useful wisdom and understanding about life. I know what love feels like and I have navigated a depth of grief that has taught me to truly value life. I know what to do if I feel a bit low, and I know how to approach life's challenges. Aside from my own life experiences, I have also gotten inspiration from other sources. Here is what I have learned...
In my late teens, I remembering reading something along the lines of "If everyone treated everyone else in the way they would wish to be treated, then the world would be a very different place." I have never forgotten these words and in a way, this simple but profound belief has shaped my philosophy on life. I have no religious beliefs and don't follow any particular spiritual path. Yet, over the years, I have gained a fair amount of my own wisdom and understanding, and continue to be intrigued about the meaning of life! I have been drawn to different philosophies and teachings and a common thread I've noticed that runs through traditions such as the yogic tradition, zen teachings and Buddhism is kindness and compassion - along with the words above that I've kept close to my heart all these years, i.e. treat others as you would wish to be treated.
This shared emphasis on kindness and compassion is striking. While these traditions differ in their specific practices and ultimate goals, they converge in their recognition of the human condition and how we all have the potential to achieve contentment in life, to build an inner strength and resilience, and maintain a sense of calm and centredness, in any situation we face.
Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, better known as the Buddha, is a path of awakening to the true nature of reality. More simply explained, Buddhists aim to live a good life by following the Buddhist teachings. Compassion, or metta, is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice, encouraging kindness, gentleness and generosity towards others, and all living beings. At its core, Buddhism seeks to alleviate suffering through understanding its causes. The Four Noble Truths - the nature of suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path to the cessation of suffering - provide a framework for this journey. Buddhism emphasises mindfulness, meditation, and ethical conduct as key practices. The concept of karma, or the law of cause and effect, underlines the importance of actions and their consequences. The actions we take in the present, will affect us in the future.
Zen Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasises direct experience and intuition. It often employs paradoxical "koans" to challenge the mind and stimulate enlightenment. A koan is a paradoxical question or statement used in Zen Buddhism. It's designed to challenge the logical mind and provoke a non-intellectual understanding. An example of a koan might be a question like, "What did you want to be before you were born?", or "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" These sorts of questions might seem completely absurd or impossible to answer logically. But the point isn't to find a correct answer. Instead, the koan is meant to trigger a moment of insight or enlightenment. By grappling with the question or paradox, you might experience a shift in perspective, a glimpse beyond the limitations of ordinary thinking. Koans also encourage you to think outside the box for solutions? Koans are designed to break down our habitual ways of thinking. They encourage us to look beyond logical explanations and to find answers within ourselves. By challenging our assumptions and preconceptions, koans can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Zen practice also includes meditation, or zazen, and incorporates elements of art, such as calligraphy and tea ceremony. The emphasis on mindfulness and being fully present in the moment aligns with the Buddhist core teachings. Zen also places great importance on simplicity, naturalness, and harmony with nature.
Yoga, with it's origins in ancient India, is a holistic discipline encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual practices. While modern yoga often focuses on physical postures or asanas, and most people come to yoga for it's physical benefits, its roots lie in a deeper philosophy. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali outline the eight limbs of yoga, including ethical principles (Yamas and Niyamas), physical postures (asana), breath control (pranayama), sensory withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and samadhi (union with the divine). Yoga emphasises self-discipline, mindfulness, and the cultivation of inner peace. The concept of ahimsa, or non-violence, is central to yogic philosophy, again reflecting the importance of compassion and kindness.
While Buddhism, Zen, and yoga diverge in their specific doctrines and practices, they share a common ground in their emphasis on human suffering and we can deal with life's challenges and difficulties, the path to freedom from the mind, and the cultivation of inner peace and harmony. All three traditions encourage mindfulness, compassion, and ethical living as essential components of the spiritual journey. By understanding the core principles of these traditions, we can gain valuable insights into the human experience and develop a deeper appreciation of what it means to be human, and for the interconnectedness of all beings.
How you can begin to incorporate these teachings into your daily life?
Be mindful: Mindfulness is the cornerstone of these traditions. It involves being fully present in the moment without judgment towards yourself or towards others. Simple practices like yoga and mindful breathwork, sitting quietly in meditation, or simply paying attention to your senses can help you cultivate mindful awareness.
Be compassionate: Compassion is at the heart of all these teachings. Start by extending kindness and empathy towards yourself. Gradually expand this circle of compassion to include others, both near and far. Acts of random kindness can be a powerful way to cultivate compassion, not to mention bring you joy.
Ethical Living: Ethical principles are fundamental to these traditions. Reflect on your actions and how they impact others. Make conscious choices to live in harmony with yourself and the world around you.
Find contentment with yourself: These traditions offer paths to inner peace. Explore practices like yoga, meditation, or journaling to connect with your inner self. Remember, peace begins within.
If there is anything I've learned about happiness in life, it is not taking life too seriously, and approaching life, situations and people with a sense of fun, wonder, intrigue and gratitude. What if I looked at life like this? How will I feel if I try this, or do this, or say this? Try being more inquisitive about life and the options in front of you. In my opening paragraph, I mentioned a long-held curiosity I have about the meaning of life. Well, for me, the whole purpose of this life, is to do anything and everything you can to find happiness and contentment with who you are. Does life need to be any more complex?
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