Buddha teaches us that the mind is formless; a beginning less, endless, dynamic arising.
According to Buddhist belief from the beginning of time our minds have been reincarnating and experiencing various suffering of samsaric existence. In different states of existence our bodies act like vehicles for the mind. Hence, as long as we are satisfied with this sort of existence and do nothing, it will continue. But by becoming aware of the nature and potential of our mind we can begin to understand that profound changes are possible.
Buddhist's believe that our experiences, do not just happen. Infact, for something too exist or come into our mind they must be a reason, a cause or an action for this. The belief being Karma, the law and cause of effect.
Buddha observed and taught others about the laws of karma, and believed that our mind (thoughts/memories) are a result of our past actions causing effects to arise now, certain past actions have certain actions of suffering, whilst others experience happiness.
It is when we are able to understand our behaviour appropriately and understand that certain actions bring certain results that we can begin to create happiness in our future, instead of suffering. This begins by us developing the nature of our mind, in order to bring about informed ideas and make the necessary changes.
Buddha shows us the way by detailing the actions required and the ways we can create the conditions in our mind by allowing these actions to arise naturally. Whilst they is considerable delay between the action and its karmic result, we can still experience profound changes in our lives by modifying our actions.
A mind that looks at other sentient beings with compassion, love and care, is one that will convert all there actions into a cause and obtain a enlightened mind. With this sort of mind the results will be happiness, not only to yourself but also to those you come into contact with. A more peaceful and contented mind equals less stress and deeper happiness on all levels.
So, by being aware of our actions and understanding their consequences we can create a whole new way of being and begin to cultivate, maintain and change our future for the better.
First step to awareness
There are very few sources of assistance from outside, the positive influences in our lives are greatly out numbered by the negative influences. Infact, in any given day our minds are exposed to an overwhelming amount of information via radio, television, newspapers, magazines, billboards and other people. Most of this information is not a positive influence for our mind, and we should be more discriminating with what we put into our minds and receive, in order to minimise the harmful effects and thoughts.
When we become aware of these outside influences, we have taken the first step to awareness and begun our journey. The next steps are easy and involve our willingness and motivation to investigate, analysising and identifying the positive and negative influences and constructive or destructive influences on our state of mind.
This is not an easily process, it takes great effort to be diligent and maintain a virtuous mind, however, by consciously cultivating the positive thoughts and swamping the negative ones, we out number them. It is said that it is impossible for a negative thought to be in our mind at the same time as a positive thought.
Through meditation we can familiarize our mind with appropriate thoughts and learn how to transform our intellectual knowledge into life changing realizations.
Buddhist meditation exercise
Meditative Moment
Taking meditative moments throughout the day is a way to still the mind, emotions and the body. It teaches you to be still, to live in the moment and be in the now. They are many ways to learn how to be present and to centre yourself this is just one way to find your stillness.
Sit down somewhere quiet away from all the hustle and bustle. Then make yourself as comfortable as possible and begin to relax, feel the space around you expand with each breath you take. Expanding and lengthening with each breath.
Now allow yourself to be quiet inside, if your mind is chattering just focus on your breath and listen to the rise and fall of your rib cage, nothing else matters right now, just focus on your breath, your natural breathing pattern. Enjoy the feeling of the air filling your chest, so calm, so peaceful.
Now imagine that each cell is filling up with life force energy of your breath and then as you exhale feel it leave your body until all last traces of your breath are gone. Feel the relief of letting the breath go as you relax even more now with the pause of the moment. It is in this pause that you will find peace, stillness and calm.
You are now in the moment.
