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Time of India
26-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Live life fully. Seize the day
By Homayun Taba An interrupter can suddenly change the course of one's life. This happened when prince Siddhartha stepped out of the protected palace environment and encountered the reality of old age, sickness and death. The 'interrupter event' triggered his long search for their source. Years of observation led to the discovery of the sole generator of human suffering, dukkha . Craving was the main culprit, fueled by the interplay of the poisonous triad of ignorance delusion, greed-attachment, aversion hatred, which contribute to our misapprehension and cause disillusionment. Siddhartha's search and rigorous discipline culminated in the transformation of the young prince to the Buddha, the awakened one, and beginning of Buddhism. Buddhism enumerates three types of suffering. The first set is suffering of suffering – dukkha-dukkha covering physical, emotional, pain of birth, ageing, sickness and death. The second type is viparinama dukkha,constant change, linked to anitya, impermanence and transience; best explained by the wearing off of glitter of the new – things and relationships, a swing between attraction and repelling. The third form sankhara dukkha– realisation of the all-pervasive sense of insecurity, and groundlessness of one's existence. This suffering is existential due to not accepting the illusory nature of existence, trapping one in samsara , leading to recurrence of cycle of rebirth, or 'wandering' and perpetuating the discontent of the unenlightened. The Buddha offered a path that dispels the ignorance perpetuating dukkha. The odds could be overcome, neither by undue optimism or pessimism, nor by asceticism or indulgence, but by the dual virtues of sobriety and moderation. It requires faith and confidence to confront the most brutal facts of one's current reality and recognise the detractors in life's sensory festival. Buddhism throws light on the consequences of unexamined lived existence. The invitation is to reimagine and rededicate ourselves to the deep understanding of the effects of suffering and unbinding our network of affinities, possessions and attachments, at the core of which lies avidya or ignorance. The saving knowledge, prajna , helps identify the operating dynamics called the Four Noble Truths, and the way out through The Eightfold Path – ethics, shila , of appropriate action, speech and livelihood. Next, dhyan , control of mental processes, proper effort, mindfulness and concentration. And finally, wisdom, prajna , development of insight into the nature of reality, including correct view and intention. The impact of the second and third suffering types depends on our degree of denying, masking, mislabelling, or knowingly resisting the reality that is staring at us, throwing us into the alternating swing of ecstasies and agonies. There is no life without pain, but lessening suffering is optional. Philosophers sought to reduce the effect of one aspect of dukkha-dukkha, the death dread, Patanjali's abhinivesha, by being constantly reminded of mortality in the phrase memento mori , or maranasati. Every jolt should be a wake-up call to the fact that we are guests and not permanent residents. None of these imply staying in a permanent state of non-enjoyment of good things in life and circumstances. Sometimes, memento mori is followed by memento vivere remember the death but remember to live. Which gives us Horace's carpe diem , seize the day. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Whispers of awakening
In our fast-paced modern world, the Buddha's teachings serve as a timeless compass, guiding seekers toward inner peace and awakening. At the heart of his wisdom lie the Four Noble Truths , a profound yet practical framework for understanding suffering and liberation. The first truth acknowledges the universal presence of suffering, not just physical pain but the subtle discontent that lingers even in joy. The second truth reveals craving as the root cause; our endless desires and attachments that chain us to dissatisfaction. Yet, the Buddha offers hope: the third truth declares that liberation is possible when craving ceases, leading to profound peace. The fourth truth presents the Eightfold Path , a transformative way of living through right understanding, ethical conduct and mindful emphasised direct experience over blind faith, urging followers to test his teachings through practice. His insights into karm remind us that we shape our destiny through as the world grapples with distraction and division, the Buddha's message of mindfulness, compassion and wisdom remains profoundly relevant. His teachings invite us on a journey of self-discovery, leading not to escape from life but to a richer, more awakened way of being. The Dalai Lama 's life exemplifies this path, proving that these ancient truths still hold power to transform hearts and minds in our modern age.
India.com
13-05-2025
- General
- India.com
7 Meaningful Things To Do This Budh Purnima For Inner Peace
Muskan Kalra May 12, 2025 On this auspicious day, offer your prayers and pay homage to Lord Buddha, seeking his blessings for peace, wisdom, and spiritual growth. If possible, visit a Buddhist temple or monastery to observe the rituals, offer prayers, and immerse yourself in the peaceful environment. Budh Purnima is an ideal day to engage in meditation, a practice central to Buddhism. It helps bring inner peace, mental clarity, and harmony. Buddha emphasized compassion and kindness. On this day, perform selfless acts of charity or kindness, whether through donations or helping those in need. Many Buddhists observe a fast or adopt a simpler, vegetarian diet on Budh Purnima as a way to purify the body and mind. Spend time reading or listening to teachings of Lord Buddha, particularly his principles like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Use this day for deep self-reflection. Think about your spiritual journey, areas where you can improve, and how you can contribute to peace in the world. Read Next Story
The Onion
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Onion
Dalai Lama Revises Claim Life Only Suffering When Not Listening To Golden-Era Supertramp
DHARAMSHALA, INDIA—The Dalai Lama announced in a press conference Monday that he has revised his position that suffering is an inevitable fact of life and that he now believes life is only suffering when one is not listening to golden-era Supertramp. 'I was recently lent a remastered version of Breakfast In America , and it went down so damn smooth that it completely shifted my stance on pain and the human condition,' said His Holiness, admitting that the proclamation upends the conceptual grounding of Buddhism's Four Noble Truths. 'Humanity can free itself from pain by throwing on 'Goodbye Stranger' and cranking that shit up until you feel like you're floating. Also, attachment to desire is totally okay if what you desire is the intricate musical arrangements and artful melody of Britain's best prog rock band. The real path to nirvana is through the deep cuts on disc two of Retrospectacle: A Supertramp Anthology. ' The Dalai Lama went on to condemn the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for its hateful anti-Supertramp stance and encouraged his followers to sign a petition supporting the band's induction.
