Create a Buddha Heart
Not everything from Buddha’s teachings are simply based on logic and wisdom; there is a rich template for developing love.
Love, it is said in ancient texts, makes the universe go round and the planets move.
Even applying just a few of these basic principles will have a radical effect on your life.
Remember Your True Nature
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”
Within each one of us, there is a spark.
This is the spark of life…the ultimate gift of the universe.
The trouble is, many of us forget this simple truth.
It’s easy to get caught in the idea that you’re a brother, sister, father, mother, friend, or teacher, with all the associated feelings and thoughts- but beneath all those identities there is only one: a spark of life with infinite potential.
That potential is your own Buddha nature.
Without tapping into it, you miss the opportunity to actually see the world as it is; to step into reality and embrace the present moment.
Open your mind and heart to yourself, and everything else will begin to align in your life naturally. This is the path of enlightenment.
Stay Healthy
“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”
Part of realizing you need to connect to your true nature is recognizing you need to take care of your body and stay healthy.
It may seem odd when we’re talking about opening the heart, but it’s much harder if we’re sick or suffering from too much lethargy.
Eat right, exercise, and watch yourself.
That will free you to focus on living a fulfilling life.
Don’t be so Dramatic
“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.”
Life is full of tests!!
Sometimes it seems like everything is pushing us, in one way or another, towards either lashing out or creating deeper understanding for ourselves and others.
You can do what you want, but ultimately we all know a fundamental fact: it feels better to be happy.
You always have a choice!
Meditate and be Mindful
“Be where you are; otherwise you will miss your life.”
So many times during the day there are opportunities to be restless.
The mind loves to wander.
But the trick, Buddha said, was to stay mindful and live in the moment.
If you’ve ever had a deep meditation, you realize how different that state of awareness is from your normal day-to-day activities.
But by taking that awareness and bringing it into our lives, we can create something powerful: a deep connection to ourselves and those around us.
It isn’t impossible! In fact, it’s very simple.
Not only that but people will pick up on it, and your presence will be wanted.
Share the Love
“Silence the angry man with love. Silence the ill-natured man with kindness. Silence the miser with generosity. Silence the liar with truth.”
Sharing love and happiness with others is a huge part of opening the heart.
Small things like opening doors, picking up trash, supporting a friend/coworker through hardships, or even just a simple smile, is a service towards others and uplifts you.
Even if you don’t feel like doing it, getting in the habit of helping others in small ways will gradually bring happiness into your life.
The more you do that, the more your life will begin to change- and others will naturally gravitate towards you.
This goes a long way toward freeing yourself and others from the limiting habits and thoughts that keep us away from bliss, wisdom, and love.