Budhism

Question 1

What is happiness ?

Answer 1

Happiness is not about wealth, power or position; it is about living in peace, joy and ease.We don’t need money, nor fame,nor a perfect body or even the perfect mate. The mind is enough . External factors can be positive , negative or neutral. It is good to reduce the negative factors, so the causal factors that give rise to bad vibes or feelings of hatred, anger or jealousy do not occur, however the secret to your happiness is within your hands. Try and feel kindness and compassion . With this attitude you will be warm, and you will open your inner door, relating to people as human beings.

One who leads a content life with the least desire is the wealthiest.

Only by treating others with kindness can one lead a happy and peaceful life. A simple willingness to reach out to others, creates a feeling of affinity a and goodwill, even in the briefest of encounters. It requires you to show ultimate respect to others.

It requires us to train our minds.By bringing about a certain inner discipline , we can undergo a transformation of our attitude , and thus our entire outlook and approach to living will change.

The purpose of our lives is to seek happiness and give happiness .Happy people exhibit a quality of openness, a willingness to reach out and help others. The happy individual will give benefits to himself , his family, and society at large. It is more determined by one’s state of mind than external factors.

Our feeling of contentment is strongly influenced by our tendency to compare. By comparing ourselves to smarter, more beautiful or more successful people, we breed envy, frustration and unhappiness.

Conversley, we can increase our feeling of happiness by comparing ourselves to those who are less fortunate than us and by reflecting on all the things we have. Contemplating, how things could be worse. Simply shifting our outlook can have tremendous effect on our happiness levels.

Key factors are good health, a strong sense of self worth, wealth, a circle of friends which we can relate emotionally and trust. Your state of mind is the key - maintaining a calm and peaceful state of mind. The greater calmness of our mind, the greater our peace of mind. Both must be rooted in affection and compassion.

Western culture is based on material acquisition . It never seems to stop. This is physical pleasure is unattainable , whereas liberation can continue. Whereas a desire for peace, happiness and harmonious world is useful.

Excessive desire leads to greed and frustration. Focus on the positive and negative consequences. Often you have to decide what will give you greater pleasure or greater happiness. Unbridled devotion to sensual pleasure can sometimes lead to pain instead.

Any decision, can be made by asking yourself one question . Will it bring me happiness , which is stable and persistent?

Question 2

What is life’s worst punishment ?

Answer 2

Life’s harshest punishment is regret.

Question 3

What is the true value of life?

Answer 3

The true value of life is in accomplishing meaningful deeds.

Question 4

Why is there so much struggle and hardship in life?

Answer 4

Without hardship in life, we cannot fully understand the truth nor develop our full potential.

Setbacks are unavoidable, but one must overcome life’s trials and tribulations in order to gain wisdom and grow spiritually.

Question 5

How do you know when your life is blessed?

Answer 5

A blessed life is one filled with love.

Giving more and demanding less is the secret to a delightful life.

The four treasures in life are: sleeping soundly, eating happily, laughing joyfully, and working healthily.

Question 6

How do we get a beautiful life?

Answer 6

A beautiful life comes from love and devotion.

Question 7

Should you expand your love?

Answer 7

We ought to expand the love you have for her own to all in the human family, and work for the good of humanity instead of taking care of her one small family.

Question 8

Is it important to have a positive outlook?

Answer 8

Only with a proper outlook on life can one enjoy a happy life. Life’s greatest value lies in our ability to shoulder responsibilities for the world.

Question 9

What guides us in life?

Answer 9

Live a life guided by principles, moral compass, logic and generosity.

Question 10

How can you tell if your life is enlighten ?

Answer 10

A life filled with desire and expectation is a life filled with pain and affliction. An enlightened life knows how to give and create blessings. Our life is valuable only to the extent that it is well used.

Question 11

What is the most precious thing in life?

Answer 11

The most precious possession is life, and the worst torment is illness.

Although life is filled with pain and suffering, it is also full of hope and love.

A harmonious life is most beautiful, and stable society is most blessed.

Question 12

How do we handle setbacks and obstacles?

Answer 12

Take setbacks and defeats in life as education. Do not be afraid of difficulties. The greater the difficulty, the braver one becomes. This is the way of a spiritual warrior.

Suffering can provide a priceless lesson. In life there is no turning back; face adversity courageously as it comes.
Accept the play that is our life with a broad and joyous heart, for its script was authored in our past.

Life’s abundance lies not in the material, but in the spiritual.

Question 13

Should you judge your life by the opinions of others?

Answer 13

The true value of our life is judged by how well we use it, not by the opinions of other people.

Question 14

Are resolutions worthwhile?

Answer 14

A resolution that we make in a second can set the course for our entire life if we persevere in it.

Use principles to guide actions. Only by treating others with kindness can one lead a happy and peaceful life.

Question 15

How is success achieved?

Answer 15

Success is achieved by seizing the moment and accepting its challenges.

Question 16

What is the reason we have difficult relationships?

Answer 16

Life is a balancing act. Over 90% of the anger generated in our minds is due to exaggerations. Reality is not seen, but a mental picture of extreme badness. This does not happen with empathy or when we show compassion.

Overcoming difficulties in human relationships sharpens our wisdom.

Question 17

How do teams work?

Answer 17

Great strength comes from unity of minds and efforts.

Question 18

What do you do if you find it hard to relate to other human beings?

Answer 18

You can relate to them because you are still a human being, within the human community. You share that bond.

This bond is enough even if you have lost everything . It gives you a sense of worth and dignity.

Without the affection, the connection with fellow human beings life becomes hard.

Question 19

How can we obtain a sense of self worth?

Answer 19

Some obtain it through their occupation and material possession. So as long as the fortune remains, that person can sustain a sense of security and self worth.

Others , retain their warmth, affection and feeling of compassion.

Question 20

Why do people hide things?

Answer 20

Fear, self doubt and insecurity .

Question 21

How do you counteract negative ways of thinking ?

Answer 21

We are born with brains genetically hard wired certain behaviour patterns to respond to my environment in ways that enable us to survive . This brain is not static nor irreversible .

It takes time. In the morning seek to utilise the day in a positive way. At the end of the day review whether you did and what went wrong. Through methods like this we can improve our minds. Through training and practice we can change ourselves.

If things are anger you, let it dissipate very quickly let there be no effect on your deep in mind no lasting hatred. An untrained or undisciplined mind results in negative or wholesome behaviours. These behaviours that lead to suffering. It is better to have ethical discipline.

If you practice at task repeatedly then your brain to changes its neural connections.

Question 22

What mindset should we have?

Answer 22

A calm and affectionate state of mind.A state of gentleness.Anger, violence and aggression are due to the secondary cause and not our nature.

Question 23

What is wrong with western culture?

Answer 23

It is egoistic and the people are all out for themselves. It has made people hostile and also selfish. It is violent , competitive and only with self-interest at its heart.

All human nature is based purely on self interest.Is violent innate in these cultures?

There is a need to form close social ties? Otherwise you are vulnerable to stress and unhappiness?

Question 24

What are the optimal environmental conditions that will allow the seed of caring and compassion to ripen in children?

Answer 24

Parents who are able to regulate their emotions , parents who can model children’s behaviour and set appropriate limits on children’s behaviour. Parent who communicate with the child is responsible for his own behaviour, and and can focus on the child emotional state onto the consequences of their behaviour.

Question 25

How does the seed of compassion develop in us?

Answer 25

When we are exposed to the right conditions - in our family, our society, and our efforts.

A newborn baby gives intense pleasure and joy, by just gazing into their eyes, eliciting caring behaviours from the caregiver. It is an example , that we all have a compassionate streak within us. We can choose to be hostile and selfish or choose to live at ease,with trust and happier.

The purpose of life is happiness.

Question 26

What is the purpose of life?

Answer 26

The purpose of life is happiness and being there, for each other. This simple statement can help us navigate through life’s daily problems.

When life becomes too complicated , and we feel overwhelmed , it’s often useful to just stand back and remind ourselves of our overall purpose and goal.

So, when faced with a feeling of stagnation and confusion, it may be helpful to take an hour, an afternoon , or even several days to simply reflect on what it is that will truly bring us happiness, and then reset our priorities on the basis of that.

The turning towards happiness as a valid goal, with a conscious decision to seek happiness , can profoundly change our lives. Every minute is precious . We are all working on the basis of hope.

Use your time to either serve other human beings, or at least refrain from harming them.

Question 27

What is the worst part of suffering?

Answer 27

The feeling that we are alone and been singled out. No one lives life free from suffering and loss. No one has been singled out for misfortune in their lives.

Suffering can always be avoided temporarily. Some use alcohol and drugs to deaden our emotional pain, some use psychological defences, like refusing that the problem exists. We immerse ourselves in a million distractions or entertainments, to avoid thinking about it. Others , use projection, unable to accept they have a problem, and unconsciously project it on others and blame them for our suffering. It will just create long term unhappiness by projecting problems on others.

These actions can result in physical damage to our bodies, or social damage to our lives. Even the denial or repression may shield and protect us from the feeling of pain a bit longer, but it still doesn’t make the suffering disappear.

Following a bereavement , it is important to deal with the loss and grief. Otherwise an overpowering depression will force us to deal with it.

But by avoiding the issues, it becomes a disease, which is untreated. The freedom from suffering, starts with accepting suffering as a natural part of human existence , and courageously facing our problems head on. Worrying is a waste of nervous energy, educate yourself on the issues and face your problems with courage.

Question 28

What are the biggest problems we face?

Answer 28

Old age, illness and a sense of our own mortality.

Question 29

How do we deal with suffering?

Answer 29

If you are in a battle and so long as you are unprepared and paralysed by fear you will be ignorant of the status and compact capability of your enemy. However if you know the fighting capability of your opponent , what sort of weapons, they intend to use against you, and armed yourself with both resources and knowledge. You will be able to deal with the war or fight in front of you, only by having a good insight into the true nature of reality of issues and nature of minds of others.

Even if you find a problem and find there is no solution it is better to face it. For example,old age, there is no solution but if you become prepared and acquainted with the problems it may bring,in time the suffering that it may generate you will find it easier to deal with.

Some judgements are beyond our rational ability. In these cases our beliefs play a role on how we respond to difficult situations.

The really is no way of avoiding the fact that suffering is part of our lives. And of course we have a natural tendency to dislike of suffering and problems. Our usual response consist of intense aversion and intolerance of a pain and suffering.However , we can transform our attitude towards suffering, and adopt an attitude that allows a greater tolerance of it, this can greatly affect our feelings of mental unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and discontent.

If your basic outlook is that suffering is negative and must be avoided at all costs and some says this is a sign of failure and will add a psychological component and intolerance when you encounter difficult circumstances and the feeling of being overwhelmed. If your basic outlook accepts that suffering is a natural part of your existence, this will make you more tones towards the adversities of life.

Question 30

When you have suffering in your life, have you been singled out?

Answer 30

No one lives free from suffering and loss.No-one has been singled out for misfortune.

It is a human universal phenoma. We feel this way because, we feel we are at the center of the world and become imprisoned in unhappiness .
We should focus our energies into finding a solution . One should not be passive or fail to take initiatives.

Often a practical or scientific approach can help.

Question 31

How can people to deal with Suffering?

Answer 31

It is a natural tendency to dislike adversity. A negative outlook must be avoided as it is a sign of failure.

Options include :

• ignoring the problem,
• taking drugs or alcohol to temporarily distract your mind or numb your mind from the problem,
• falling into depression,allowing the feelings of grief and anxiety to overwhelm your mind, making you addicted to the psychological emotional pain. There is a risk in assigning blame and being a victim.
• accepting suffering, as a part of the human and facing your problems courageously, doing something about the situation , understanding analytically what the strength and weakness of your opponent is, what your component is to bringing the suffering into your life and taking comfort in your beliefs. Lastly using your resources, of persistence and money to overcome the suffering , and bring moments to lift the mood. Fight, fight and fight, even if you have to go to court or you believe that karma is at play. Each obstacle in your life teaches you patience and tolerance .

Even with old age , death and illness , it is best to be acquainted with these problems. Familiarise yourself with the problems that can occur.

• If we carefully examine any given situation in an unbiased and honest way, we will realise that we have contributed , usually through a reaction , to the unfolding events. It is important to be wise in the way you personally handle yourself and view things in a holistic way, to determine all the things that have contributed to the situation .

Question 32

How do people self create suffering and deal with the thought of dying?

Answer 32

Some refuse to accept suffering as a natural part of human existence .They view themselves as a perpetual victim, and seek to blame others for their problems. It’s the ingredients for a miserable life.

Repeating the painful memories will not change the past. It is not worth the drama,or the attention or sympathy we seek from others. It feeds our hatred, and makes our hatred powerful and intense.

Just as a moment has an end, so it must have a beginning and a middle,an end,and new beginning . It’s the binding of thousands of moments that constitute its continuum.

Question 33

How do we avoid anger?

Answer 33

Stop taking the small things in life so seriously. With anger you only destroy your own peace of mind.

Stop reacting to defamatory remarks . The person might be annoyed at something else, and nothing to do with you personally.

Your response , can directly affect the degree you suffer from the situation . If you don’t have a response, be silent and calm or say you don’t know the answer. Don’t put fuel to the fire when the person who is in a provocative mood is not in the mood to listen. Your comments will only serve to cause wider complications.

Question 34

How do we respond to provocation?

Answer 34

Options include :
Firstly make an excuse for the person being angry. They are either in physical or emotional pain. Emotional pain is usually due to neglect as a child or some type of physical abuse. Think of your opponent facing the abuse as a child. It is easier to let go off the hatred this way. It will create an affinity towards tolerance and patience.
Assess their mood and see if they will listen.
React and regret your actions.
Ignore it
Use distraction, and change the subject .
Give a bland statement
- I don’t know
- Do what you think is best.
Give specific advice, if they earnestly want it.
State it could be worse.
Fighting anger and hatred, requires patience and tolerance. Either patience and tolerance win, or you let anger and hatred. It is a difficult process combating hatred and anger, and withstanding the discomfort inside,but you will be a very special individual if you do. It does not mean being passive and weak, but on the contrary it means having the strength to be firm and steadfast. It involves active restraint, which comes from a strong , self - disciplined mind. It helps maintain your willpower.

Being forced to adopt a certain passive response out of a feeling of helplessness is meekness , not humility. There is a chance of that individual gaining a habit of treating you in a negative way. It’s okay to forgive, but never forget. It’s possible to let go of negative events associated with events.

Sometimes, you encounter situations that require strong counter measures.

Question 35

What is the problem with hating and being angry?

Answer 35

It clouds our judgement and prevents us from determine right from wrong. It causes us to be temporarily insane. It destroys our peace of mind by causing extreme confusion. It affects us physically by causing extreme discomfort , spreading hostile vibrations, creating an unpleasant physical transformation , preventing us from having a dignified pose . It’s almost like steam coming out of a persons body. It also causes insomnia ,palpitations and raises our blood pressure .Left unchecked , anger tends to escalate . The verbal and physical expression of anger, does not make it go away.

You can’t prevent provocation, but actively take steps to reduce its force. Having a calm mind in the first place really helps. Taking time out helps. Using an excuse for the conduct of another helps.

Question 36

Can anger ever be a force for good?

Answer 36

Anger can be a good force for motivation , if it is coupled with compassion. Often its blind rage, and without direction. It’s likely to be destructive more than constructive.

Question 37

How do you remove lust?

Answer 37

You look behind the skin and focus on the organs and contents.

Question 38

What is the problem with violence?

Answer 38

It produces a chain reaction .

Question 39

In the field of medicine, it is not sufficient to concentrate just on one speciality.

Answer 39

The whole body needs to be considered.The diagnostic approach is more holistic . Failure to look at the whole picture means realism is lost. Many factors have to be considered. With a fuller picture, your outlook becomes more reasonable and your actions more practical, and thus better results can be achieved .

Question 40

What happens when you get rid of negative conflicting emotions?

Answer 40

Liberation is achieved.

Question 41

What is the cause of the phenomena, we see?

Answer 41

It arises due to causes and conditions we see. The wise do not partake in extreme views.They are steadfast in their tolerance and unwillingness to have extreme conduct imposed on them. Any phenomena , sustainability is dependent on other things and will always be interdependent. Make the phenomena empty of the capacity to perform functions.

Question 42

What proof is there of rebirth?

Answer 42

It is true that you cannot find a being above the age of 7 , that transmigrated from one lifetime to another. However , this does not mean rebirth does not exist. Often when you see small children, you can see imprints in their mind, and these come to fruition in their lifetime .

We and all objects exist for a reason, but we are far more interdependent then you think.