Buddhism is the only positivist religion history brings to us, (…) it doesn’t believe in the fight against sins, but gives the reason to reality, it fights against suffering.
F. Nietzsche
More than a religion, Buddhism is a philosophy that millions of people around the world can practice simultaneously with any other faith they hold. Nietzsche, who devoted a great deal of his work to show us the decadence of ascetic religions, specially Christianity, specified that Buddhism was “hygienic,” as it coped with the real world.
Nietzsche believed that both systems of thought, his own, and Buddhism share two important ideas. On the one hand, the opposition to the “master-slave morality,” living subjugated to a higher power –in that case, Christianity–, and on the other, the will all human beings have to change their lives.
What else did Nietzsche see in Buddhist philosophy for him to be convinced it didn’t represent a decadent morality like all the others?
He was fascinated with the following concepts: the path to enlightenment, the search for happiness, the mental-physical balance, and the Buddhist ways of handling difficulties in a practical way.
The following suggestions are based on the Sutras or the discourses from different Dalai Lamas. Their aim is for you to grow spiritually and lead a better life.
Love yourself to love others
It’s a big time cliché but it is true. You can’t love someone completely if you don’t love yourself first. To know yourself and to give your best to others is the first step to reach the zenith of happiness and peace of mind.
Do not mix up love and attachment
Contrary to Christianity, love in Buddhism isn’t about suffering neither having to wait for redemption. This has more to do with attachment, and a visceral desire that only makes you cling to someone. A healthy relationship, according to this philosophy, is the one in which both parties can express their love freely, creating instead of destroying, forgetting jealousy, and selfishness.
Guide your desires
All our troubles are due to the anxiety caused by the dissatisfaction of unfulfilled desires. Leave to one side wishes that are egotistical, material, let go of attachment to another person for you to be in harmony.
Accept change with wisdom
Constant change; this is the state of all things in the Universe. Nothing remains static. People, places, and situations transform for better or for worse. To choose where you are leading your life and to accept all changes like a natural process is your untransferable decision.
Suffering is optional
When something bothers you it creates a discomfort that can evolve to suffering. Discomfort is always the manifestation of anxiety, reflected on your mood. Suffering, however, is a state in which we can always fall; it has to be accepted as a process of knowledge and love for life. To escape suffering is always an option; everything lies in your will power.
Know the rules and break these when necessary
Apply it to all the aspects of your life. If a rule is unfair, break it. If your well-being is at stake for a moral convention, forget about it. If obeying becomes stingy and limiting, then disobey.
Always forgive
It’s not about “turning the other cheek” nor about expiation. Forgive for your own wellbeing. Even if you don’t have a real reason to forgive, do it for yourself. Shake off the uneasy feeling and prevent it from turning into suffering.
All your failures are learnings
Each loss, defeat, and disappointment are great opportunities to learn a new lesson. Never dismiss it. Next time you stumble over something, before feeling sorry for yourself, stop and think what is the teaching the hard moment brings about.
Fall in love with the roots, not with the flowers
Learn how to distinguish between the essence and the appearance of things. From nature to people, what really matters is always hidden, and it’s the path to plenitude. Paraphrasing The Little Prince: “What is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Love doesn’t equal need
The best love stories are the ones where the love of each member is greater than the need for the other.
Follow the detachment rule
Apply the teaching of love to all aspects of your life: What makes you happy isn’t found in the things you are attached to or the people you think you need to feel complete. True bliss resides in your inner thoughts and peace.
Be passionate about what you do
Everyday, constantly, do what you enjoy, what you are passionate about, the thing that motivates you and pushes you to want to know more, to be better and develop your capacities to the limit. Every now and then ask yourself: Am I really doing what I desire the most? If the answer is no, make an effort to change it.
Change your thought process and your life will change too
All that you are is a reflection of your mind. Desires, passions, and too many expectations are the cause of worries and anxiety that have a negative impact in your life. If right now you decide to change your thought process, positive effects in your life will be immediate.
The first step to plenitude is a healthy body
The Buddhist motto “Your body is your temple” focuses on the idea that you need to take care of your health because your body is the vehicle of your soul. Do exercise, have a healthy diet, and maintain a balance between your physical and mental health to achieve wellness in all aspects of your life.
Doubt what is established
Things aren’t true or correct only because they’ve been said or accepted as such by people. If you doubt all ideologies, traditions, and knowledge, then you’ll change your reality and principles and these will guide you to happiness.
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To put into practice these precepts is a great way to radically change your philosophy of life and to seek a healthier one. This school of thought can teach you the joys of forgetfulness, love, and how feel complete by accepting who you are.
Buddhist teachings of the Universe focus on the present because this precise instance of life is the priority. All other errors are left behind; the future is being build every second.
Change the way you think here and now.
Translated by Laura Calçada
