"The Best Parts of Myself"
Buddhism has been a part of my life since my high school days. I remember my first Buddhist meeting and hearing about the religion and I immediately connected. I chanted twice a day, I attended weekly meetings and, it was a significant part of my life. Buddhism continued to be important during college. Living away from home, being away from the security of my friends and family, Buddhism made the transition smoother. Although, as I progressed in college, I started moving away from it. I gradually stopped chanting and focused on various college activities. To be honest, I loved college and everything I was doing, and I did not miss my practice. To be clear, even thought I was not practicing, I still continued referring myself as a Buddhist and I lived my life based on the law of Karma, knowing the value of cause and effect. My thinking was, “I still have the beliefs, it doesn’t matter if I do not practice, I am still a Buddhist”.
Life moved forward and even with the challenges presented, I was happy, busy and I thought I was fulfilled. I would say, I was almost too busy, with family, work, and many social obligations. I rarely had moments of stillness. My life was filled with distractions and it worked well for me. Sometimes, you don’t know you are missing something unless, something changes in your life. For me, this change came in the form of a fractured ankle. I couldn’t go to work, I couldn’t exercise, and frankly getting off the couch scared me. Fortunately, for me I was already introduced to Buddha Bodhi Website. Due to my history, I did connect with it right away, but I did not realize the full impact it would have on my everyday life and my way of thinking. Yes, I began to work my way back to Buddhism with a heightened sense of its profound effects. Reading the website reminded me of why Buddhism appealed to me the first time at such a young age.
It brought back the feeling of being in control of yourself, your thinking and even your destiny. The strength of Buddhism comes from within and the importance of studying, reading, meditating and chanting. While I was recovering and unable to move by body, I found the immense power of stillness. While meditating I began to appreciate the openness and freedom of a clear mind. I felt an inner peace that was previously missing. My daily chanting and meditation has helped me to focus my thoughts on what matters most. With this a positive outlook started to evolve. I found myself less burdened by distractions and I became more involved in what is happening in the moment, instead of the distant past or the questioning the future. The greater goal is always a better world for all, and with Buddhism you find ways to change yourself first and that is a step in the right direction. Now that I have returned to Buddhism, I have returned to the best parts of myself and the road ahead is filled with possibilities of awareness, growth, and even nirvana.
~Lily,
Teacher, NY
We would love to hear your stories about how Buddhism has helped you. If you would like us to publish your story, please email to buddhabodhiUSA@gmail.com
Buddhism has been a part of my life since my high school days. I remember my first Buddhist meeting and hearing about the religion and I immediately connected. I chanted twice a day, I attended weekly meetings and, it was a significant part of my life. Buddhism continued to be important during college. Living away from home, being away from the security of my friends and family, Buddhism made the transition smoother. Although, as I progressed in college, I started moving away from it. I gradually stopped chanting and focused on various college activities. To be honest, I loved college and everything I was doing, and I did not miss my practice. To be clear, even thought I was not practicing, I still continued referring myself as a Buddhist and I lived my life based on the law of Karma, knowing the value of cause and effect. My thinking was, “I still have the beliefs, it doesn’t matter if I do not practice, I am still a Buddhist”.
Life moved forward and even with the challenges presented, I was happy, busy and I thought I was fulfilled. I would say, I was almost too busy, with family, work, and many social obligations. I rarely had moments of stillness. My life was filled with distractions and it worked well for me. Sometimes, you don’t know you are missing something unless, something changes in your life. For me, this change came in the form of a fractured ankle. I couldn’t go to work, I couldn’t exercise, and frankly getting off the couch scared me. Fortunately, for me I was already introduced to Buddha Bodhi Website. Due to my history, I did connect with it right away, but I did not realize the full impact it would have on my everyday life and my way of thinking. Yes, I began to work my way back to Buddhism with a heightened sense of its profound effects. Reading the website reminded me of why Buddhism appealed to me the first time at such a young age.
It brought back the feeling of being in control of yourself, your thinking and even your destiny. The strength of Buddhism comes from within and the importance of studying, reading, meditating and chanting. While I was recovering and unable to move by body, I found the immense power of stillness. While meditating I began to appreciate the openness and freedom of a clear mind. I felt an inner peace that was previously missing. My daily chanting and meditation has helped me to focus my thoughts on what matters most. With this a positive outlook started to evolve. I found myself less burdened by distractions and I became more involved in what is happening in the moment, instead of the distant past or the questioning the future. The greater goal is always a better world for all, and with Buddhism you find ways to change yourself first and that is a step in the right direction. Now that I have returned to Buddhism, I have returned to the best parts of myself and the road ahead is filled with possibilities of awareness, growth, and even nirvana.
~Lily,
Teacher, NY
We would love to hear your stories about how Buddhism has helped you. If you would like us to publish your story, please email to buddhabodhiUSA@gmail.com