Buddhism - in a Nutshell.

I'm a firm believer in denying our wants in order to live in the most peaceful existence we can. Think of it as reverse hedonism!!!

Think back to a moment when you were truly happy, a moment of sheer bliss & peace...

Do you have your moment?

Now think about when that moment ended...and how it was immediately replaced by a new wish, want or desire by you.

 Schopenhauer says the only time this is not the case is when that moment of zen ("aesthetic appreciation") that manifest organically while we're in nature. You know what sort of moment I'm talking about I hope, a hike that leads you to a place of hologram like awe & wonder.

Anyone that's Buddhist believes the same things that German philosopher Schopenhauer has expounded on in great length in his amazingly, captivating piece "The World as Will & Representation" (a MUST read!).

Buddhist go further, in many ways they're the hardcore of the spiritualist. Pilgrimages, fasting for prolonged periods of time & a life of abstaining from fulfilling their (rather "our") selfish (primal) desires. A person that practices Buddhism does so with the belief that in denying their wants they are going to eventually achieve Nirvana - a sense of supreme peace. In denying their wants those moments of joy that pass us up so quickly are instead internalized and never achieved. The end result is a stable peace for the practicing Buddhist as they're never dealing with an overwhelming desire for ____(the next big thing!). To find inner peace we must shut out the external distractions, including indulging our senses and buying the next big thing or seducing that catch of a lifetime. Buddhist are still able to find peace in those divine moments of aesthetic appreciation, often times finding those moments in meditation.

So many people come to me for readings wanting to know about their love life, how to catch ____, how to out smart their enemy, or when and if they're going to be able to buy ____ or _____. There's nothing wrong with these things, I myself am NOT Buddhist. However, when we take the time to focus on restricting ourselves from things that we want we then do find that life becomes a calmer and saner place to be.

Simple living is good living.

Next time you're feeling like a prisoner to your passions or desires remind yourself of the four pillars of Buddhism, then work through them yourself. Step by step, don't worry I'm doing it too, we can be twins! Also, for those of you interested in other religions and beliefs of the east Hindu's believe that Buddha is one of many incarnates of Vishnu (the God born out of a lotus in a naval who returns to the save the World more than anyone!).

*Dukkha - It simply means: Life is hard.

- We are all born, we all live & we all die (we move on to the next lifetime, until we are all one) - due to this we all experience suffering in many ways. This does not discount that we all have happy and memorable moments too.

-Best way to deal with Dukkha (stress/suffering): MEDITATION & COMPASSION

*Tanha- It simply means: I want/need that or them

-We are all moved by strange, strong and often times cosmic desires. We want our senses to be awakened & stimulated. This means we're constantly jonesing for something or someone.

-Best way to deal with Tanha (desire/cravings):Meditating on how everything is temporary, when you die you won't be bringing things or people with you into the next lifetime.

*Bodhi- It simply means: Zen, Nirvana, Enlightenment, AWAKENED

-To experience this you must be free of your desires & wants, when one reaches such a state and has learned the grand lessons of compassion, meditation and acceptance of life then one eventually reaches a state that is never fleeting of pure joy. An awakening.

-Best way to achieve: See Dukkha & Tanha and then you reach Zen

*Noble Eightfold Path- Buddha-hood - It simply means: To join together other people in practicing the aforementioned principals and establishing a life of peace and brotherhood among all of humanity.

-Best way to achieve: Master 1 through 3 and spread the word, just like me!!!

Much Love,

Mystic Gwen