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Summer - Buddhist Psychology
The practice of guarding the six senses and observing the Five Mindfulness Trainings is not a burden, but rather placing love in our hearts so that we naturally protect our body and mind: when we love our parents, teachers, and friends, we will not smoke, drink alcohol, gamble, or engage in sexual misconduct. Receiving the Five Mindfulness Trainings is to receive love, allowing our heart to “grow very quickly” and to protect the happiness of ourselves and those we love.
Mindfulness is the capacity to recognize life in the present moment, helping to break through illusions and attachments to the past or future. Some simple methods to awaken mindfulness are:
- Hugging meditation (breathing in—aware that your loved one is still alive; breathing out—aware that you are happy)
- Tea meditation (drinking tea in mindfulness)
- Walking meditation (walking with each step in freedom)
Four verses summarizing simple happiness:
- The family gathers together morning and evening
- Cool breeze and moonlight on our faces, simple meals content our hearts
- Boundless spaciousness in all directions
- Tides rise morning and evening, clouds drift before and behind
From family reunion, touching the moon and wind, living simply in vast space, “all past misfortunes” dissolve when we know how to relax and cherish the present moment.