Recognize that extreme individualism, focused on individual achievement, winning, acquiring, and getting known, is not a winning strategy for deep and abiding happiness. Shift focus away from this to find more profound contentment.
Understand and practice ‘interbeing,’ the concept that when someone else suffers, it’s also your suffering, and when they are happy, you are also happy. This serves as ‘medicine for individualism’ and fosters deeper connection.
Recognize that wrong perceptions or views about what constitutes a meaningful life and about other people are the root of suffering and conflict. Actively work to identify and correct these views to foster peace and contentment.
Challenge incomplete or wrong perceptions by seeking to understand the full history and conditions that shape others’ behaviors and views. This practice leads to more empathy, compassion, and understanding, reducing hate and blame.
Regularly question your perceptions and views by asking yourself, ‘Are you sure?’ This mantra introduces doubt, which opens the mind to further investigation and prevents being locked into rigid beliefs.
Prioritize taking care of yourself and creating inner space. When you are whole and balanced, you have more capacity to be open, listen, and allow genuine interconnection with others.
Combine contemplative practices like meditation with active service to others, especially those suffering. This approach, known as engaged Buddhism, ensures sustainability and resilience, preventing burnout while helping.
When engaging in service or going against difficult situations, recognize the need for contemplation and self-revival to prevent burnout and maintain resilience.
Recognize that attachment to a fixed, unique self-identity is a root of suffering. Understand that you are a continuation of ancestors and environment, and that clinging to one form or identity creates suffering.
Understand that birth and death are continuous cycles, not just singular events. Recognize that you are living and dying in each moment as cells yield to new ones, fostering a deeper appreciation for constant change.
Embrace suffering fully and authentically, rather than resisting it. By learning ‘how to suffer well’ – for example, by allowing yourself to cry without shame – you will ultimately suffer less.
When grieving, reconcile with loss by seeing the continuation of the loved one’s life force in yourself, others, and the community, rather than clinging to their unique form. Allow sadness but avoid attachment to the past form.
Recognize and honor the natural cycles of emotions, understanding that not every period will be joyful or productive. Be okay with ‘winter’ periods of sadness or difficulty, rather than expecting constant ‘spring.’
Actively seek and engage with a supportive community or like-minded friends. This provides accountability, reinforces interbeing, and offers crucial support for navigating life’s difficulties and suffering well.
Simplify your life by reorienting towards what truly matters, rather than constantly seeking more or filling every moment. Create space in your day and life to address underlying dissatisfaction and nourish your human and spiritual aspects.
Understand mindfulness (smirti) as remembering to be present and aware, rather than forgetful. This includes remembering who you are, your continuation, and being grateful for being alive, helping to overcome being caught in negative thoughts.
Treat ‘interbeing’ not just as a concept but as a concentration practice. Actively hold and maintain this awareness in daily activities, such as drinking tea or turning on water, to cultivate deeper insight into interconnectedness.
When driving, especially in stressful situations, practice compassion and non-separation by acknowledging others’ hurriedness or anger without harboring hate. Understand that their actions might stem from stress or distress, fostering empathy.
When mediating or observing arguments, recognize that multiple perspectives can be valid simultaneously. Avoid taking a side or having a fixed view, as this openness can reduce conflict.
Actively counterbalance the cultural pull of materialism by engaging in service, offering, and helping others, especially the less fortunate. This fosters a more compassionate and less self-centered existence.
Advocate for and support the creation of community centers in urban environments, similar to gyms, where people can connect with themselves, with nature, and with others, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual well-being.