Imagine a picture-perfect day for a picnic. A family, a young couple with their child, set sail in their boat towards a secluded island. The sun warms their faces, the gentle waves lap against the hull, and laughter fills the air. They’re oblivious to the warnings of a storm brewing on the horizon, their hearts set on a day of fun and exploration.
Suddenly, the sky explodes. The playful waves morph into angry giants, tossing the small boat around like a toy. Days blur into weeks. Lost at sea, their supplies dwindle, and hunger gnaws at their bellies. Finally, the unthinkable happens. Their child, weakened by hunger and thirst, succumbs. Grief-stricken and desperate to survive, the parents are forced to make a choice so horrific that it scars their souls forever they are forced to sustain themselves on the very body of their beloved child.
What emotions do you imagine flooded their hearts during that desperate act? A heart filled with love turned to a vessel of agonizing necessity. Now, consider this: how often do we, in our daily lives, unknowingly perform a similar act on the metaphorical bodies of those we love, particularly our children, through our unmindful actions?
Our lack of mindfulness, the autopilot mode in which we live, depletes not just our own well-being but also the well-being of those around us. When we neglect our physical and mental health, when we squander resources without a thought for the future, when we indulge in the whims of greed and anger – each act, however small, creates ripples that extend outward, touching the lives of those closest to us. In this sense, we are constantly consuming, depleting, even destroying, the metaphorical bodies of those we claim to love.
Enter the Buddha, the awakened one. His teachings, embodied in the Eightfold Path, illuminate a path to mindful living, a path that allows us to live a life authentic and compassionate, a life that truly embodies the essence of Buddha. Here, we will explore three key aspects of this path: Right View, Right Speech, and Right Action.
Right View is the art of perceiving reality without tinted glasses. When you gaze upon your partner, discard notions of how they should be. See them as they are—flawed, beautiful, human. Love blossoms when we release rigid expectations
Right View is about shedding expectations and encountering life with an open mind. Imagine a wife, burdened by the idea that a “good wife” cooks. If she sees her husband’s empty stomach through this lens, she might judge herself inadequate. Yet, the reality could be her husband is perfectly capable of cooking for himself. Perhaps they could share the task, creating a moment of connection instead of resentment. Right View allows love to bloom by fostering an understanding of reality instead of a projection of expectations.
Right Speech is the mindful use of language. Before uttering a word, we pass it through three gates: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If the answer isn’t a resounding yes to all three, silence is often the most compassionate choice. Honest and kind communication builds trust and respect. When we speak with this awareness, we cultivate love not just in ourselves, but in those around us. We become a source of truth and support, fostering an environment where others feel safe to express themselves authentically.
Finally, Right Action calls us to be mindful of every deed, big or small. It’s about observing not just the act itself, but also the intentions behind it. When sharing a dessert, are we aware of a subtle tendency to choose the larger piece? This is not about guilt-tripping ourselves for every human desire, but rather about cultivating awareness. Observing these desires with an open mind allows us to make conscious choices aligned with compassion and generosity. Through this practice, our hearts begin to purify, shedding the layers of greed, jealousy, anger, and selfishness. The more mindful we become of our actions, the closer we get to living a life that embodies the awakened heart of Buddha.
By applying these three principles – Right View, Right Speech, and Right Action – we embark on a transformative journey. We begin to live a life infused with genuine care and compassion, not just for ourselves, but for all beings around us. This mindful living isn’t just about avoiding harm, but actively spreading peace and love. It’s a beautiful way to exist, a life that reverberates with positive energy, touching not only ourselves but everyone we encounter. This, my friends, is what it means to “Live Buddha in your every act.”
Zodiac signs have a special impact on our lives. According to Vedic astrology, information about a person’s nature, health, personality and qualities is obtained through zodiac signs. If the planets in a person’s horoscope are weak or obstructing, then it is advised to wear gems to pacify them, but if the person is financially weak and is not in a position to buy gems, then in astrology, the roots of various trees and plants are used. Ways to wear them and apply them at home are also given.
