be a better buddhist

Last week I (somewhat purposely) gave up meditation, and I also let my mind wander, and didn’t try to control my emotions at all. Poor though my meditation may be, what a difference it makes! What a bad week it was without it!

As an example, I usually try walking meditation on my way to work, generating compassion (metta) when I can and just being “present” (in the moment, aware) when I can’t. Last week instead I just let my mind wander. As a result, I was more stressed, easily angered, frustrated with work, et cetera.

I see the value in meditation, or even just keeping a tight reign on negative emotions (and trying to generate positive ones). It’s something that makes me happier, so it’s something I will do!

About a year ago I read a book called “Make Your Mind An Ocean” by Lama Yeshe, which contained the transcripts from a series of lectures around Australia. It was interesting and a little strange, so I read another from my brother’s collection—“The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying”. Much of it made sense to me, and much of it didn’t!

Then I got “The Art of Happiness” and was completely blown away. Most of it made sense straight away, and other parts I’m still interpreting and thinking about.

Now it’s been a year and I still read and re-read every book on Buddhism I stumble upon. I think a lot, and try to meditate (although finding a regular time and place still eludes me). I find that meditation relaxes me, and I think I’m a happier person more often these days. But I’ve never been to a temple, nor talked to a “real” Buddhist.

I think that’s the next logical thing to do.