Suffering comes from separateness and alienation, with the resulting futile attempts to correct one's alienated state. Buddhism says you are already Buddha- there's no need to struggle to 'better' yourself or to 'become' Buddha.
Reality is not the problem. There's no need to improve things as they are. Reality is hidden from most people, because they're preoccupied with their own perspectives. It's not hidden purposefully, as if by some evil power. The good news is that YOU HAVE EYES TO SEE, and once you learn to use them you will be able to see clearly.
Learning to see, or being conscious, is challenging. Culture (I don't like to use the phrase 'the World', because Truth is infused in all creation) doesn't support consciousness; which leads to freedom from all cultures (human created systems.) The journey is one of 'waking up' (realizing 'Buddha', or 'Christ living in me') and coming to see reality apart from habitual, automated ways.
Sitting meditation is one practice to free oneself from the emprisonment of automation. It involves drawing one's awareness away from conventional activities (thoughts, feelings) to one object of awareness (the breath is common). Through this one pointed focus one finds space to discover freedom- freedom from being a slave to conventional behaviors and ways of seeing reality. If you find this practice useful , use it, it's one of the most practiced methods within Buddhism. If you're not comfortable practicing sitting meditation, don't fear, here's another practice that may be helpful: Mindfulness.
Mindfulness, in my preferred process, which can be applied anytime. You needn't remove yourself physically from your day to day life, or take a certain posture; simply use awareness to watch what transpires in the moment.
Practice (awareness during conversations):
During a conversation, be aware of what the other person says, as well as thoughts and feelings you become award of. When these thoughts and feelings appear keep awareness separate from involvement in them- don't allow yourself to be drawn into them and 'flavored' by them. Watch, keep it simple awareness. Thoughts and feelings will come and go...let them. This is proof that they are not you, but something separate, which participates with you. As you continue practicing mindfulness you will notice how you become less attached to the stream of thoughts and feelings that appear. You will find that you are freed from them (if this startles you don't lose awareness), and that they apear less frequently...your awareness finds quiet and space to be. When you speak, do so from this same awareness. You'll find that your words come from a place not controlled by any particular thoughts or feelings. A place more loving, because you no longer are protecting your alienated 'self'.
This is the process of knowing yourself and finding Truth. No specific incomprehensible rituals or practices required. Awareness, once given space will come face to face with Truth. This is a very natural process. You will know yourself. In knowing yourself you will discover an intimate connection with the 'One'; through which everything comes and goes.
Matthew
Reality is not the problem. There's no need to improve things as they are. Reality is hidden from most people, because they're preoccupied with their own perspectives. It's not hidden purposefully, as if by some evil power. The good news is that YOU HAVE EYES TO SEE, and once you learn to use them you will be able to see clearly.
Learning to see, or being conscious, is challenging. Culture (I don't like to use the phrase 'the World', because Truth is infused in all creation) doesn't support consciousness; which leads to freedom from all cultures (human created systems.) The journey is one of 'waking up' (realizing 'Buddha', or 'Christ living in me') and coming to see reality apart from habitual, automated ways.
Sitting meditation is one practice to free oneself from the emprisonment of automation. It involves drawing one's awareness away from conventional activities (thoughts, feelings) to one object of awareness (the breath is common). Through this one pointed focus one finds space to discover freedom- freedom from being a slave to conventional behaviors and ways of seeing reality. If you find this practice useful , use it, it's one of the most practiced methods within Buddhism. If you're not comfortable practicing sitting meditation, don't fear, here's another practice that may be helpful: Mindfulness.
Mindfulness, in my preferred process, which can be applied anytime. You needn't remove yourself physically from your day to day life, or take a certain posture; simply use awareness to watch what transpires in the moment.
Practice (awareness during conversations):
During a conversation, be aware of what the other person says, as well as thoughts and feelings you become award of. When these thoughts and feelings appear keep awareness separate from involvement in them- don't allow yourself to be drawn into them and 'flavored' by them. Watch, keep it simple awareness. Thoughts and feelings will come and go...let them. This is proof that they are not you, but something separate, which participates with you. As you continue practicing mindfulness you will notice how you become less attached to the stream of thoughts and feelings that appear. You will find that you are freed from them (if this startles you don't lose awareness), and that they apear less frequently...your awareness finds quiet and space to be. When you speak, do so from this same awareness. You'll find that your words come from a place not controlled by any particular thoughts or feelings. A place more loving, because you no longer are protecting your alienated 'self'.
This is the process of knowing yourself and finding Truth. No specific incomprehensible rituals or practices required. Awareness, once given space will come face to face with Truth. This is a very natural process. You will know yourself. In knowing yourself you will discover an intimate connection with the 'One'; through which everything comes and goes.
Matthew
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