Life is Suffering

I went to the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" and I think it impacted me much more than I had thought.  Right after I saw it I decided to try meditating.  I love it so much.  For 15 to 20 minutes, or however long you want to, you can clear your mind, free your mind.  You don't have to think about anything.  It's almost like you're sleeping, so peaceful.

After this, I got some books on Zen, Meditation and Buddhism at the library.  It is a very peaceful, simple way of living.  The three main points of Buddhism are: 1. Lead a moral life; 2. Be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions; and 3. Develop wisdom and understanding.

Buddha believes that life is suffering.  Suffering is caused by craving and aversion.  We need to give up craving and live each day.  Don't dwell on the past or imagine the future.  Live in the moment.  The goal is to be in nirvana, the state of being free from suffering.  They don't believe in taking the life of anything living.  Not taking anything that is not freely given.  Abstaining from sexual misconduct and refraining from untrue speech.  Pretty simple when you think about it.  Don't kill, don't steal, don't cheat and don't lie.  We cannot lose our mindfulness.  We are responsible for our past and present actions.  If we don't do anything wrong, then we don't have any ill actions or regrets.  They believe that wisdom is being compassionate, sharing, giving comfort, sympathy and concern.  I really want to live by these simple rules.

I plan to continue learning about being Zen and Buddhism.