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"Just be a better person" is not real treatment advice lol.

phyzix5761 1y ago
The way they've explained it is that immorality is usually based on desire and aversion. And constantly giving in to these things creates a dependence where we're never satisfied with what we have. Having a structured moral code that allows for observing these mental qualities without giving in to them eventually leads to their reduction because we're breaking the habit pattern. Once your desires and aversions are reduced then you become more satisfied with what you have; ie eliminating depression in their case.
- echelon_musk 1y ago
  Pali terms for anyone interested in the "source code" of the modern Mindfulness Movement that allows you to look up the original Pāli technical terms: > [unskilful] desire taṇhā (The second Noble Truth) > aversion dosa > we're never satisfied dukkha (The first Noble Truth) > moral code sīla
draw_down 1y ago
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mistermann 1y ago
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sctb 1y ago
You added the "just". Becoming a better person is probably the best thing you can shoot for, though obviously it's not a trivial process and requires significant effort and intention. I mean, what else can you do? You're the one that has to live with yourself. Even if the whole world is going to shit, if you desire the happiness and wellbeing of others, as a deep internal orientation, this itself is its own form of happiness which is not subject to anything external. Since this thread already has Buddhist vibes, you don't have to take my word for it and can refer to metta (loving-kindness) as its own practice in addition to mindfulness.
- phyzix5761 1y ago
  The really interesting part is they are Muslim. They said that learning about Buddhism helped them understand the core of Islam and helped everything click into place. I think learning about different cultures and religions can unlock perspectives which enhance whatever we're currently practicing.
  - zozbot234 1y ago
    The native Muslim tradition akin to what mindfulness meditation is doing would be Sufism. There are still Sufi traditions extant, but in many places they're being attacked by militant Islamic fundamentalists.
krzat 1y ago
Actionable advice: be generous and notice how it feels. Then just be nice for the pleasant satisfaction it gives.

The way they've explained it is that immorality is usually based on desire and aversion. And constantly giving in to these things creates a dependence where we're never satisfied with what we have. Having a structured moral code that allows for observing these mental qualities without giving in to them eventually leads to their reduction because we're breaking the habit pattern. Once your desires and aversions are reduced then you become more satisfied with what you have; ie eliminating depression in their case.

echelon_musk 1y ago
Pali terms for anyone interested in the "source code" of the modern Mindfulness Movement that allows you to look up the original Pāli technical terms: > [unskilful] desire taṇhā (The second Noble Truth) > aversion dosa > we're never satisfied dukkha (The first Noble Truth) > moral code sīla

draw_down 1y ago

[dead]

mistermann 1y ago

[dead]

sctb 1y ago

You added the "just". Becoming a better person is probably the best thing you can shoot for, though obviously it's not a trivial process and requires significant effort and intention. I mean, what else can you do? You're the one that has to live with yourself. Even if the whole world is going to shit, if you desire the happiness and wellbeing of others, as a deep internal orientation, this itself is its own form of happiness which is not subject to anything external. Since this thread already has Buddhist vibes, you don't have to take my word for it and can refer to metta (loving-kindness) as its own practice in addition to mindfulness.

phyzix5761 1y ago
The really interesting part is they are Muslim. They said that learning about Buddhism helped them understand the core of Islam and helped everything click into place. I think learning about different cultures and religions can unlock perspectives which enhance whatever we're currently practicing.
- zozbot234 1y ago
  The native Muslim tradition akin to what mindfulness meditation is doing would be Sufism. There are still Sufi traditions extant, but in many places they're being attacked by militant Islamic fundamentalists.

krzat 1y ago

Actionable advice: be generous and notice how it feels. Then just be nice for the pleasant satisfaction it gives.