Buddhism in a Material World

Steps to find simplicity

in a chaotic world

Time to reflect on the greatness that is you

“Stop to smell the roses, the old wives snort,“What the hell does that mean” you quickly retort.Old wives are rarely wrong, I will try to explain,And to prove, that your actions are never in vain.

With the pressures of the day, the time we have not,To look at our lives and take overall stock.We do it each decade, 30, 40 and so on,And then make drastic changes and complain where’s your life gone.

Over the past twelve months a great lesson Ive learned,Time on your own, which has been obviously earned.Shut out your world and give yourself time to review,And think about everything that is important to you.

A mother, a lover a sister and a wife,A daughter and a best friend are some of the roles in your life.The love that you have for them, is naturally shown,So the least that you can ask for is time on your own.

Use this time wisely, to take a look at your lot.Concentrate on your achievements, and what you have got,Look back when you started out, and the ambitions you sought,And smile at the highs and the lows, that your life’s lessons have taught.

Look at your “partner” and what was it they showed,That got you to this point, on life’s rocky road.Try to make adjustments, for the things that you’ve both lost,Those precious moments you shared, that the children have cost.

The greatest gift in life, a woman has got,To give birth to a child, a greater gift there is not.Think of the emotion you felt, to hold a gift from above,A little bundle of joy, that was created from love.

Treasure the moments, that you and your children share,Because, if you don’t, you will regret it when they are not there.You are a teacher, a provider and most importantly a friend,And make sure they know, you will be there till the end.

Feel proud that you gave life and the chain is in tact,And that your mother is as proud, is surely a fact.Try not to look at your parents and think of them as staid,But understand perfectly, the same sacrifices they have made.

Consider the friends you have made and what they mean to you,And tell them that you love them, right out of the blue.Pass on the advice, as to the time that you now spend,Alone with your thoughts, and the benefits it can lend.

Remember your workmates, and the role that they play,To manage or be managed, is just a small part of your day.People look to you, when guidance is sought,And how calm you can be, when the day becomes fraught.

Look to “your” future and make your dream plans,Never forget your ambitions, are forever in your hands.Thank god for the time alone, that you have just spent,And resume your life with greater vigour and intent.

So when you hate Monday’s and when you’re lifes seems frayed,Take time to feel joy about the difference you have made.A little time on your own to reflect all that you do,And never forget the greatness that is you.

Time to reflect on the greatness that is you

Introduction

The Buddha lived 2500 years ago in Northern India and he was from a noble family, Buddhism was formed within a caste system at a time when technology was limited and spirituality was rife.

In the 21st century when the last 40 years has seen an incredibly technological boom and a decrease in spiritual enquiry, it has become for Westerners a challenge to match these two.

One the one hand a fast paced – goal driven – ego driven - materialistic – technology led – and atheistic lifestyle and on the other side of the spiritual fence a soul driven – Spiritually enquiring and transcendent mind that collects knowledge of the soul and endeavours to focus on the moment as opposed to collecting material goods and focusing on the future.

The dilemma in the 21st century is how to incorporate spirituality into the material world.

As a Single parent this reveals many dichotomies, but mainly the material desires of my daughter against my desire for less materialism and more spiritualism.

Introduction (cont)

This presentation will cover the following:The Buddhist daily practice using the Four Noble Truths, the Eight Fold Path and The Six transcendental VirtuesA look at the balance required for 21st century living:Comfort and SecuritySocial stabilityTheoretical spiritual knowledgeReflect review and renounceThe Plan for simple living in a chaotic life

The Buddhist PathThe Four Truths Noble Truths:

•Life is suffering•The cause of suffering is the ignorance of the true nature of reality•There is a cure or cessation for suffering•That cure is the Eight fold path

Eight Fold Path:

Having the right understanding/ViewHaving the right aspiration/thoughtHaving the right speechHaving the right conduct/ActionHaving the right livelihoodMaking the right effortDeveloping mindfulnessDeveloping concentration

The Six Transcendental Virtues:

Creativity REPLACES PrideMindfulness REPLACES JealousyContemplation REPLACES Desire Wisdom REPLACES IgnoranceGenerosity REPLACES GreedPatience REPLACES Hatred

An understanding of theFour Noble Truths matched withA commitment to the Eight FoldPath increases the chances ofAttaining the six transcendentalVirtues and the promise of an ego freeand simple not chaotic mind

The Balance

The Balance

Step 1

Comfort and securityneeds met

Step 2

Socially stable,aware andcompatible

Step 3

TheoreticalSpiritual Knowledge

Step 4

Free timeTo Reflect,Review and Renounce

Comfort and Security –(Key is Manageability)

OxygenFoodWaterWarmth – Clothes, houseSleepHealth

These are some of a persons requirements

WealthProperty/possessionsStatusCelebrityism

These are some of a persons desires

Through awareness, the balance is struck between what a person needs and what a person desires.

Those needs have a cost element which determines the time spent achieving those needs.

The key to succeeding is mindfulness and reduction of egotistical massaging

Socially stable(Key is Affordability)

FriendsSexual partnersFamilyA full social life – money led activitiesTo be accepted by colleagues

These are some of our socialDesires and needs

Through awareness the balance is struck between what a person needs and what a person desires.

Again, Those needs have a cost and time element which determines the time spent achieving those needs.

Does the pursuant of these desires have a detrimental effect on any spiritual awareness and fulfilment??

The key to succeeding is motivation and intention, which of the list do we need and which do we desire for self accentuating

Theoretical Spiritual Knowledge

(Key is Mind Malleability)

Spiritual knowledge is NOT religious knowledge.

Spiritual knowledge encapsulates:ReligionPhilosophyPsychologyCultural knowledgePhysiologyScience – Biology/Astronomy/Geology etc

From GREAT Knowledge comes GREAT Responsibility

By becoming knowledgeable in practical or mechanical or functional aspects of humanity such as Science, Physiology and Psychology and have an understanding of how ‘things’ work it frees the individual to explore the mind in ways such as Religion and Philosophy.

These in turn opens you up to your spirituality.

Reflect, Review and Renounce(Key is to remain brave through

introspection, balanced in review and committed through positive intention for

future acts)

Given a theoretical grounding of spirituality and an understanding of how phenomenon works, the individual can meditate or reflect on their life past present and future and set their motivation for:

FUTURE POSITIVE ACTIONS OF BODY SPEECH AND MIND

As opposed to the

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS THROUGH THE JOY OF MATERIAL EXTREMES

Achieved by:Strengthening the bodythrough exercises, healthyeating and mindful livingMeditationMaking time for oneself

The Plan

A Decrease in the desire for Financial security

↓Frees your time

↓Increase, but keep in check your desire for

social stability↓

Frees your time↓

Increase your Theoretical Information

↓Makes you more flexible

and malleable forReflection and Review

↓More time and mind

malleability↓

Meditation – One pointed and Critical thinking

↓

Why should I do this now???

Because Life has no time

The average UK citizen lives 75 years which is 1/1333333 or one - 13millionth of the age of the universe

Because we are all going to die.

Death is INEVITABLE

The prediction of it’s time is IMPOSSIBLE

Human life is sacred and if soshould not be wasted on idle pursuits

Because every second is a chanceTo turn it all around

What else are you doing??Watching soapsTalking nonsense with your friendsWorking for someone elseFocusing on the lives of celebrities

Because the Human body has the capacity to be anIntricately mechanical, unconditionally loving and infinitely malleable learning machine

Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs

The dependant and interconnectedand personalised ecosystem

Aware of what works for you Personal mindfulness Aware of your place in society Social Mindfulness Aware of national and international affairs through social knowledgeand with that knowledge comes social responsible –

Global Mindfulness Aware of how human beings interact and effect other species

Species Mindfulness Aware of what works for us all - Universal responsibility