Buddhist Belief Blog

The Fifth Paramita in Buddhist Belief is about the perfection of our meditation — the perfection of our mental stability. As many of you know, I am a strong proponent of a daily practice of meditation. It is through this practice we can discover our mind’s inherent stability, clarity and strength.

Once we have entered into a daily practice of meditation, we will begin to see the truth about this individual self we work so hard to protect, feed and clothe. The more we try to locate this “self” the more we will learn how hard it is to find it. We’ll learn more about how our desire to cling to the illusions of permanence will eventually lead to suffering or dissatisfaction. It is through meditation where we can sharpen our wisdom. When we become accustomed to our meditation practice we will enter the beginning stages of training our minds to settle — to become less distracted.

In order for the other paramitas to take us toward the mind of enlightenment, we need this wisdom to break down and dismantle our conceptual ideas of who we are and what we’re doing. We slowly begin to understand that things are not as they seem. Compassion arises. We gain insight into our experience which allows us to apply generosity, discipline, patience and exertion in helping others.

I know for myself — and I’ve heard this from others who are following a Buddhist lifestyle — there are times when trying to find the energy to “be there” for others feels like it’s not possible. It’s just too much. But, one of the things I’m learning more and more every day is how when we put our compassion for others into our lives, our own suffering and dissatisfaction actually becomes relieved. If you give this some serious thought, you’ll see how placing our minds on others is a form of meditation.

Our minds tend to behave like our muscles — when we’re focused on our own craving and clinging, our minds tighten up and we usually make a mess out of our self-pursuits. But working for the happiness of others brings lightness of mind. When we know this truth, extending love and compassion is all there is to do. Then everything we encounter becomes part of our journey as practitioners of meditation. We can look at each other, at our children and at the world, and see it all as an opportunity to experience the joy of the Buddhist path.

I encourage you to find those few moments of every day to devote to your meditation practice. I do at least one hour very day — sometimes more — but rarely less. Some days I will sit for the entire hour — other days I may sit for a half hour in the morning — and other half hour midday — and perhaps another half hour in the evening. It varies, but on those days when circumstances keep me from meditating here at home, I feel a sense of withdrawal, and will still look for a way to get silent — even for a few moments.

Try it — you might like it!

Metta ….May all beings be well and happy. May all beings live in safety. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings live with ease.

Namaste — Be in Peace.

Ron Rink

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Just click the links that are sort of Grey in color to take you to where you can learn more about each book and how you can purchase a copy for your own library.

Anam Thubten — No Self – No Problem

No Self – No Problem
shows how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego-identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on Buddhist wisdom traditions, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language, how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. No Self – No Problem

Sharon Salzberg — The Kindness Handbook

“It takes boldness, even audacity, to step out of our habitual patterns and experiment with a quality like kindness–to work with it and see just how it might shift and open up our lives. This book is an invitation to do just that. — From The Kindness Handbook