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There is this Zen proverb that goes like this: "You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day -- unless you're too busy. Then you should sit for an
by suprfnk 11y ago
There is this Zen proverb that goes like this:
"You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day -- unless you're too busy. Then you should sit for an hour."
While I don't think it's necessary to sit an hour every day, it does inspire me. In my experience, if you meditate every day for a few weeks/months, you will start feeling more 'grounded'. You'll be more calm in most situations. You will be chasing external happiness less, and just be more content with being. It's pretty hard to describe, but to me, it seems like a good thing.
- Scarblac 11y agoI know the proverb. Zen is a form of Buddhism. Buddhism is interesting and many of the things is says are wise, but ultimately it sees life as suffering and its aim is to reduce suffering. As interesting as it is, I come from a culture that is too different. No matter how futile it ultimately is, I want to _achieve things_. Being at peace with life feels good but is ultimately not enough.
- corv 11y agoHow is being at peace not enough? Achievements are transient.
- marcosdumay 11y agoEverything is transient. It's just not the goal, it's ok to have a different goal. Not everybody wants a calm, peaceful life.
- b6 11y ago> I want to _achieve things_ It's true, the Buddha taught the cessation of suffering. But he said to do it by really understanding what's going on. You can achieve things either way. But you might choose to achieve different things if you have more insight into the nature of reality.
- rthomas6 11y agoHave you looked into Stoicism? It's got a lot of the Buddhist elements of learning to accept the present while also focusing on achievement. I think of it in some ways as a Western-friendly mindfulness approach. A Guide to the Good Life [1] is a great book on the subject, and in the past has helped me be more effective in life, while also being happier. I've also heard good things about The Obstacle Is the Way [2]. [1]: http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Good-Life-Ancient-Stoic/dp/0195374614/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455899137&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Good-Life-Ancient-Stoic/dp/01953... [2]: http://www.amazon.com/Obstacle-Way-Timeless-Turning-Triumph/dp/1591846358/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455899281&sr=8-1&keywords=The+obstacle+is+the+way http://www.amazon.com/Obstacle-Way-Timeless-Turning-Triumph/...
- Scarblac 11y agoMarcus Aurelius has been on my reading list for years, but he never got to the top of the list. Maybe it's time to read something on this subject, like one of your suggestions, thanks!
- zepto 11y agoIt sounds like you suffer if you don't achieve things. Nothing in Buddhism says that you shouldn't achieve anything if that is your nature. The purpose of Buddhism isn't to become a monk - it's to become happy. It is notable that Steve Jobs was a Buddhist and seriously considered becoming a monk. His Buddhist teacher recommended that he continue with his computers.