Monday, January 5, 2009

Buddhist Talk on Loneliness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fb4IYpKYRA

This talk by a Buddhist in Australia gives some insight into how to deal with feelings of loneliness. One might also call this a form of suffering. Being a buddhist myself, I have always found it helpful to think about the Four Noble Truths, which is a fundmental teaching of Buddhism.

1. There is suffering in life.
2. There is a source for our suffering.
3. Suffering can cease.
4. Suffering will cease by following the Noble path:

Correct thought: avoiding covetousness, the wish to harm others and wrong views (like thinking: actions have no consequences, I never have any problems, there are no ways to end suffering etc.)
Correct speech: avoid lying, divisive and harsh speech and idle gossip.
Correct actions: avoid killing, stealing and sexual misconduct
Correct livelihood: try to make a living with the above attitude of thought, speech and actions.
Correct understanding: developing genuine wisdom. (The last three aspects refer mainly to the practice of meditation:)
Correct effort: after the first real step we need joyful perseverance to continue.
Correct mindfulness: try to be aware of the "here and now", instead of dreaming in the "there and then".
Correct concentration: to keep a steady, calm and attentive state of mind.

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