The Buddhist Path to Peace - Post #4 Nirvana

While walking the Buddhist path to peace one bumps into a word called Nirvana. Nirvana is a state of being. It is the state of peace and tranquility that we are unable to reach with our ordinary mind. Sitting meditation for Buddhists is considered the most direct route to experiencing our pure and natural state. It is a place where nothing is left out and nothing is in excess.

It is very difficult to just let things be - it is often too difficult to control ourselves so we try to control the people around us: our spouses, parents, children, friends. It is the goal of sitting meditation to learn to allow things to be as they are. What a relief it will be when you can accept everything just as it is!

The "little self" thinks that meditation will not work for you. It seeks to convince you that you need special training, a special teacher, and a lifetime of practice. This is simply not true. Do not listen to the "little self". Sitting meditation brings a frame of mind that has been with you for centuries. This is called "going beyond the mind" into the infinite. When you can reach this stage of mind, however short or long the time frame is, you will lose your fear and finally reach that place called liberation! You will lose your fear of loss. The fear of not being in control, the fear of losing concepts and beliefs, the fear of losing your (false) identity, the fear of losing your possessions, the fear of losing period. When you sit and your mind is empty what is there to lose? Nothing! There is only a kingdom to gain!

It all starts with 10 seconds of sitting, of being. Close your eyes wherever you are right now and let your mind go. Let go of it all for just 10 seconds. As you open your eyes you will see that life went on without you for that period of time. I like to call it "giving your mind a rest".

Tomorrow sit and close your eyes for 20 seconds. Say to yourself: I am safe, right here, right now. Try to focus the view of your mind to a huge empty space. It is as if you are looking overhead to an endless, open sky. If a fear, worry or concern comes into mind simply let it float away as if on a cloud until it is out of sight. The space between your thoughts is called peace. This is where you will see Nirvana enter into your life! This peace will grow and you will become a different person because of it. You will be at peace with yourself and the world around you. You will be free.

It all starts with just 10 seconds!

Have peace!