4 Self Love Habits From Buddha Monks That Require $0 to Apply
You’re blessed despite a million reasons why you don’t deserve blessings.
3 occasions in life when we realize the meaning of love: When we
- Meet our parents
- Drink water after the fast
- Sacrifice our money because our child wants to buy something
No, love is not a pressure.
You love to take care of people around you. It makes you happy. Love is a feeling that only comes with effort. Money cannot buy love. Buddha learned the meaning of love when he first opened his eyes to the physical world.
Buddha realized there’s love in waiting, caring for our family, and patience, and he said:
“Love doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be pure.”
We often forget that love and romance are two different things. Love is eternal, a bond that is greater than any relationship. Love begins with self, and when we become skilled and mature, we are granted the capability of treasuring others.
Whatever the reasons may be, you can never go (wrong) with love. Buddha’s teachings are sufficient to learn the process of self-love, understanding, and satisfaction.
Below are 4 things Buddha monks can teach you about love that nobody else can. Let’s get started.
1. Two sides of the same coin
- I am in dire need of a job.
I say, looking at the sky — like someone is listening to me. The universe knows I need a job, everyone knows.
But do I know?
We are so indulged in our daily lifestyle that we often don’t know what we’re doing.
We live like we’re a machine. For that, Buddha says, stop and listen to the chatter of the children. Listen to the sun completing its duty and hiding behind the moon. Listen to people coming out happily from a hospital instead of looking at people who are crying after coming out of the hospital.
How to apply?
Buddha says:
“You will hear the universe's flow if you are quiet enough. You will feel its rhythm. Go with the flow. Happiness lies ahead. Meditation is key.”
Patience is a remedy for all suffering.
I know you’re having a bad time. Think about the family who could afford food for their children just now. Think of all those people you could be if you weren’t blessed. You’re blessed despite a million reasons why you don’t deserve blessings. Get deep into your thoughts and realize how fortunate you are.
The solution? Stop and listen.
Even machines get out of order sometimes. You need a break.
2. Do things for love
- I am not selfish.
- And you aren’t either.
Nobody is born selfish. Our society makes us think that selfishness is a shortcut to success. But I ask you, how much more can you win after being selfish?
Perhaps a job, an appreciation? An acknowledgment? Good things don’t come from selfishness but from true intentions. Support people even though you want nothing in return.
As Buddha believes;
“Love the whole world as a mother loves her only child.”
I know you’re one tiny dot in this universe, and you cannot change this world with your purity. Don’t forget a trim of light in the darkness is enough to lead a herd of people.
How to apply?
Help people without expecting anything in return.
Here’s what to do:
- Hold doors for people coming and coming out
- Ask someone how good their day was
- Help people skip the line if you think they’re in a hurry
- Help someone pick up their bag and put it in the car outside of a grocery store
As a young person, I used to ask my father, “should I help the old lady?” and my father used to reply, “is that a question?”
- Not helping is not a choice.
Do it for yourself.
Contribute it to the world to make it a better place. You at least owe this. You never know what good deed will help you!
Helping is the purest form of love.
3. On competition
Corporate culture is toxic.
If anyone on the team makes it to mount Everest, they burn down all the roads that lead to climbing.
Hear me out:
There’s no first flag on mount Everest. Up till now, 5780 people climbed Everest. It was a victory for the country when their flags reached Mount Everest — but there’s no first and last.
As Buddha says:
“If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.”
With the help of a partner, you can cross the roads easily. A leadership mindset entails leading because you will lead people in the right direction. A leader doesn’t burn bridges.
How to apply?
Guide people.
You’ll be amazed at how many people need guidance. I assure you that there’s always someone needing advice on this planet. Talk to them. Take help from them. Because 2 is always better than one. As they say, one wood log is easier to break than a few.
If you want to become an inspirational leader, follow these steps:
- Guide people
- Listen to them
- Include and keep them in the loop
- If a fire burns, get burned yourself but protect others
You don’t become a leader by competing. You become a leader by not competing.
4. On happiness
My mother says:
“If you don’t know what happiness is, you’ll keep searching for it until you die.”
What is happiness for you? Is it
- A stable job?
- A healthy family?
- A friend circle?
A happy life is not a definition of happiness. You need a solid goal for happiness. And if you won’t, you’ll keep searching for it until you die.
As Buddha says:
“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.”
You find happiness in other people when you’re the happiness. Happiness begins with you. Don’t be too weak to trust yourself. When Buddha was alone in the palace, he only had himself. That’s when he realized happiness is a state of mind.
You already have happiness. So stop finding something that you already harbor.
How to apply?
Research says that you’re not happy because you’re depressed.
You are not in the loop with this world but, instead, against it. For that, Buddha guides us with a few techniques to stay in alignment with this universe:
- Buddha diet: stay away from extremely poisonous seafood and maintain a proportional diet
- Buddha meditation: meditate daily for at least 5 minutes, even without the result
- Speak the truth: whatever the circumstances may be, always speak right
- Focus on one thing: don’t clutter your mind
- Don’t fall for material comforts: stay happy with what you have
- Accept change: don’t oppose everything
Buddhist habits are a pathway to developing a clean mindset.
Make your progress towards enlightenment by following Buddha’s rules until it’s too late.
Final thoughts:
Buddhist monks value: a kind heart.
To get started, you need a faithful soul that you (already) have.
This means nothing is stopping you from becoming the best version of yourself. Nothing is preventing you from becoming happy.
Only you’re in your way.
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