Buddhism is a philosophy. And it has been able to provide antidotes to the preaching in the west. The Buddha way of life can help us face challenges and move towards a life of fulfillment.
If you want to walk on that path towards the life of fulfillment, here are five key aspects of Buddhism that might help you:
1. Knowledge and Insight
In this modern era where technology has gotten its grip on everyone, we have access to the vast knowledge right in our fingertips. But we need to use this privilege with utmost care and should not take it for granted. It is important to know as much as you can, but you must keep your thinking cap on and become critical of anything that you would want to learn.
Buddha says,
Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who says it, unless it agrees with your own reason and common sense.
2. Resistance and Replacement
We are constantly tested time and again when we walk through different obstacles. Changes can be difficult, but changes are imminent. When you struggle to keep your head in the game, overcome the challenges with the new zeal of commitment and inclination. Even simplest of tasks such as working out or eating healthy can be of great help. It is all about keeping your bad habits in check and replacing it with good ones.
Buddha says,
To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others.
3. Consumption
Try avoiding excess. Internalize the same old saying, “Everything in moderation.” The thing is if you start getting things in excess, then you will be attached to it. For instance, you might desperately want a new iPhone, and you work hard to buy it. But when you get it, it might keep you up for a few days, but it will definitely be a let down because you will soon realize it isn’t really as meaningful as you thought it to be.
Ask “Do I really need this much/little?”.
Buddha says,
You only lose what you cling to.
4. Patience and Persistence
It is necessary to constantly strive towards what you want to achieve – be it for your relationship or for your own career. You should learn and be persistent to achieve it.
What you achieve without any effort can disappear easily. If you have spoon-fed, then you have nothing to look forward to. You will enjoy what you have worked for and then you are going to find success in your life.
Buddha says,
No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.
5. Avoidance
It is difficult to deal with negativity in your life. Negativity can drain your ambitions and happiness. It is okay to think and overthink about the negative aspects. But as Buddha says,
In a controversy, the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves.