10 Essential Lessons from Buddhism

The Ancient Philosophy

Buddhism is an ancient philosophy, one of the great world religions, and the source for mindfulness meditation and the cultural movement it has inspired that is making a huge impact on society from healthcare to education to corporate boardrooms. Buddhism appeals to so many of us because it speaks a universal language of wisdom, goodness, and a focused and quiet mind that helps us to cope with a loud and chaotic world. Buddhism and mindfulness will likely to grow in popularity as we become more distracted by our technologies, more disconnected from our bodies and each other, and live in an increasingly uncertain world. The Buddha’s message teaches that happiness is our natural birthright. We don’t need anything from the outside. We are already complete. The Everything Essential Buddhism Book is an easy way to access the world of the Buddha and Buddhism. Here are ten “essential” lessons that you can use in your life right now.

Buddha versus Buddhism

The person known as the Buddha lived 2500 years ago and taught a self-empowering approach to happiness. In the centuries that followed his life and teaching, a variety of Buddhist religions arose around the world. Some of these are quite popular today such as Tibetan Buddhism and Zen Buddhism. The Buddha was not trying to found a religion. His version of salvation was not mystical but rather psychological—we can train our minds to be more attentive and more responsive in ways that lead to goodness, peace, and happiness. You can embrace the teachings of the Buddha without being a Buddhist and you can use these principles to improve your life whatever your religious affiliation is, even if you don’t have one at all.

Who Was the Buddha?

Not much is known for certain about, Siddhartha Gotama, the man who would became the Buddha. His story is more myth than history. The Buddha didn’t write a memoir, post status updates on Facebook, or have a publicist. He made a number of cryptic comments about his early life that can be summarized as follows: he was born into wealth and lived a privileged life. Even though he had the best of everything, he felt dissatisfied, anxious, and uncertain. He longed to find a way beyond these feelings. At the age of 29, he embarked on a seven year journey that culminated in enlightenment or, more accurately, awakening. From that experience he began to teach others what he had experienced and encouraged them to see if they could replicate those insights for themselves.

The Buddha’s Insights

Siddhartha sat under a fig tree (later known as the Bodhi or awakening tree) and watched his breathing come and go; he noticed how his mind generated stories, images, and feelings. He also saw how these states of mind were constantly changing and even though they were his thoughts, memories, and feelings he could not find a “me” at the center of it all who owned those experiences. There is no unchanging essence that makes us who we are and with this assertion he distinguished himself from the philosophies and religions of the time. He claimed that everything was a flowing process in the mind including what we know to be ourselves. With this insight he was able to get beyond the pervasive sense that something was off or not quite right that he had felt since he was a little boy. He had awakened.

The Four Noble Truths: The Buddha’s Basic Teaching

The basic teaching of the Buddha and all forms of Buddhism is the Four Noble Truths. This interrelated set of observations and recommendations contain all the essential information that one needs to understand the Buddha’s message. They outline the extent and cause of the dissatisfaction, anxiety, and uncertainty that Siddhartha noticed in his youth. They are optimistic because there is a way beyond the suffering of the human condition. He also recommended a path of eight mental attitudes, ethical stances, and meditative mindsets (Noble Eightfold Path) to bring us out of anguish and into the present moment. By embracing these insights, we can come to have a better working relationship with our minds, better interactions with the people around us, and find an enduring happiness that is not dependent upon any internal or external conditions.

Noble Eightfold Path: The Wise, Ethical, and Mindful Way to Live

The Buddha prescription for humanity contained eight aspects, like the spokes of a wheel. It started with wisdom: First we must recognize there is a problem (as described in the Four Noble Truths) and then we must have a motivation to do something about it. Next comes ethics: It behooves us to live in a way that does not cause harm, violence, or disruption through our actions, speech, and occupation. Finally we can develop a meditative mind: Making the right kinds of effort while developing mindfulness and concentration. All eight factors work together to propel us towards self-improvement, deep contentment, and a more meaningful life. These are not moralistic commandments but principles that can be tested and practiced for yourself.

Buddhism Around the World

Even though the Buddha didn’t set out to found a religion, many religions developed in the centuries after his life and death. As the teachings moved from their home in Northern India to China, Tibet, Southeast Asia, and beyond they combined with the cultures, religions, and customs of the host country. Each time Buddhism moved, it became something else—still retaining the core teachings of the Four Noble Truths. Buddhism moved to America in the early 20^th century and began to take root. The American form of Buddhism is secular and has found its most powerful expression in the mindfulness movement that started with Jon Kabat-Zinn’s mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Now, everyone can partake in the power of meditation.

Mindfulness: The Buddha’s Essential Teaching

Mindfulness has always been a component of the Buddha’s teaching but it wasn’t until the 20^th century that it became so important. The Buddha taught mindfulness but in the following centuries, Buddhism focused on other things and there was a long period that neglected meditation. Mindfulness meditation experienced a revival and mindfulness became the primary focus of some forms of Buddhism, especially those taught in Burma, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. In a sense, there was a return to the original teachings of the Buddha away from the rites, rituals, and customs that had developed as Buddhism spread around the world. Mindfulness can be thought of as a universal language of attention leading to transformation and is not limited to those who practice Buddhism.

The Neuroscience of Awakening

One of the most important developments in the mindfulness movement has been the study of mindful (and not so mindful) brains. Non-invasive imaging techniques such as fMRI now allow researchers to peer into brains as people meditate or just let their minds wander where they will. Fascinating findings are coming out of these studies and it is clear that the brain that is mindful shows a different pattern of activation than one that is not. Not only is activity different, mindfulness meditation appears to change the structure of the brain in ways that are believed to be beneficial. These preliminary studies also provide objective evidence of the effects of mindfulness training and other Buddhist practices and this has helped to establish their legitimacy.

From the Cushion to Action: Engaged Buddhism

Buddhism starts with oneself and then extends in ever increasing circles of concern for all sentient beings. Bodhisattvas come from ancient tradition. These spiritual warriors work on their own awakening not just for their own benefit but for the betterment of the world. The beloved and influential Zen master and mindfulness teacher Thich Naht Hanh coined the term “engaged Buddhism” to capture to the spirit of the modern bodhisattva. The first order of business is to get our own house in order but once that has been accomplished to some degree, you don’t want to just hang around on the cushion gazing at your navel. The insights you gain from meditation fuel compassion and a desire to help others.

Buddha and Buddhism for the 21st Century

Buddhism and mindfulness are an increasingly important force in our society. They speak to a deep need in all of us to connect to our inner wisdom, compassion, and calm. Whether you participate in a formal Buddhist practice such as the serene elegance of Zen or the colorful majesty of Tibetan Buddhism or simply practice mindfulness meditation, you can tap into the benefits of this millennia old set of practices. Buddhism is more about wisdom, focus, and peace rather than a set of beliefs. Buddhism can be your religion or your can strive to be like a Buddha yourself—awakening to your life in the present moment. Of course, you can do both too!