9 teachings of Buddhism for a light life

In the background of Globo’s soap opera Joia Rara, Buddhism offers important lessons for those who want to live better. One of the main teachings of this millennial philosophy is: happiness is within us and not in material things.

“Today, our focus is very focused on the external world and we forget to take care of our mind, which, unlike the body, has no limits”, says nun Mudita, from the Kadampa Mahabodhi Meditation Center, in São Paulo. According to her, to live lightly you need to stop, breathe and reflect on your own feelings. Do this whenever you’re having a bad time. See, below, nine Buddha teachings that can greatly improve your life!

1. CONTROL YOUR MIND

Happiness and suffering are not in the things themselves, but in the way we relate to them, says the nun Mudita. When you’re serene, nothing takes you out of seriousness. According to Buddhism, thinking more positively sends problems away.

2. LOOK AROUND WITH LOVE

Everything depends on people to exist: even the chair that makes you the most comfortable. You have to look at the other knowing that, for sure, he did something good. This makes us realize that we live in an immense network of kindness, respect and love!

3. OWN YOUR HAPPINESS

When we do good deeds, we plant seeds that will blossom into happiness. The same applies to negative actions. We must realize that we are bearers of happiness itself. This makes us reflect before acting, thinking and speaking.

4. REJOICE FOR OTHERS

Who never envied the luck of the friend who won a promotion at work? Try to reverse that feeling. “Buddha says that rejoicing in the happiness of others makes you feel that happiness in the future as well”, guides the nun.

5. PRACTICE DETACHMENT

One of the main lessons of Buddhism is to practice non-attachment. “Attachment is a selfish mind that makes you think only of yourself and not of the other, in addition to generating suffering if you lose what you value so much”, says Mudita.

6. LIVE SURROUNDED BY GOOD PEOPLE

Have friends around who make your good side flourish. And don’t let stressed people make you lose faith in life. “Wish them well and ask them to be able to free themselves from this negative state”, teaches Mudita.

7. GO AS FAR AS YOU CAN

According to the nun, it is important to look for places that make her comfortable and happy. Why take a chance on an amusement park if the rides scare you? “We need to find out what makes us feel good and what doesn’t,” she explains. Have no doubt that respecting your limits will make you lighter!

8. ELIMINATE ANGER FROM YOUR LIFE

As long as your mind is filled with anger, it will be difficult to find happiness. Buddhism teaches to hone the virtues of patience, compassion and love. Thus, there will be no room for that feeling.

9. CONTROL YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Keeping your feet on the ground is a good way to live better: those who have high expectations are more likely to be frustrated, which causes suffering. Live in balance and let life flow. “Everything is impermanent in this world,” says Mudita. A “no” now can turn into a “yes” tomorrow.