Advice from the Buddha

Hello, I am not enlightened, but if you are in a situation where you are wondering "what would Buddha do?" then I would be happy to help!

[buddhaadvice]

Hey, what is the standpoint on prescribed medications like vyvanse? Or something like a sedative for anxiety?

Buddhism is somewhat based on science so taking medication to help a medical condition you have isn’t seen as bad or something that’s prohibited. You would be encouraged to take your medication as directed. Cheers!

[buddhaadvice]

What is the verdict on swearing? Sorry, it's the allergies anon again. I just have a lot of questions.

No idea, sorry!

[buddhaadvice]

Aspiring Buddhist with allergies again, this time wondering about alcohol. Would moderation of alcohol be okay? I've read some things that say that its not exactly encouraged on a regular basis, but as long as you don't actually get drunk its okay.

Hello again, the problem is not the alcohol in itself but it’s destructive effect on your body and how it clouds the judgment. So if it’s having a drink for it’s taste and not it’s effect there are a lot of non-alcoholic options out there that tastes just as good. But drinking to a point of inebriation is not recommended and slightly frowned upon.This here is my understanding and once again, it’s a question of belief versus practice. In the end you should always think for yourself and take care of yourself and those around you.Take care!

[buddhaadvice]

I'm kind of considering becoming a Buddhist, and I'd like to know if vegetarianism is required or encouraged, because I'm allergic to all major proteins besides cheese, meat, and soy. Also, some starting pointers would be nice, if you have the time.

Hello!I would say that it’s encouraged since the Buddhist philosophy is largely based on the idea of living your life without causing harm to other sentient beings. But it’s really a discussion about belief versus practice, which in itself differentiates between someone who was born into a religion and someone choosing to follow/convert to a religion. So in your case of being allergic, living a healthy life with all necessary basic nutrition is a priority and I can’t see any reason why that should stand in the way of you pursuing a life as a Buddhist.And as for pointers I can strongly recommend a book called “Who Is Myself” by Ayya Khema as a good start. But you should really ask around more since everyone has their own references. Take care!

[buddhaadvice]

Hi I am an older gay man, A Cpl years ago some younger men approached me and started yelling at me to kill myself, Since then more and more strangers say shitty things to me and offer me hate face. I am shy quite lonely and find it horrible to be hated by people I do not even know. It was suggested to me that one of them thought I snubbed them. I am hard of hearing. I posted a blog online explaining all the things that have been done to me , but only made it worse. I cry n don't know what to do?

I’m sorry to hear that people are being so hateful to you. I hope you’re not listening to anything those horrible people have said to you. Your life is precious and you matter. One thing I suggest is finding a local lgbt support group or resource center. If there aren’t any near you, it’s possible to find some online groups. Here’s a few links that may be helpful to you:

http://www.centerforpositiveaging.org/lgbt.html

http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/areamore.cfm

http://sageusa.org/ (this one is specifically for older lgbt people)

I’m really sorry that you’re going through this and it pains me that I can’t help you more. If it’s any consolation, my partner and I go through harassment as well because of our sexuality. We’re able to cope partially because we attend meetings at a lgbt center that offers support so I highly suggest you search for something like that. 

If you ever want to vent, please feel free to send me a message on my personal account (http://ryuu-ki.tumblr.com). Hang in there and take good care of yourself!

[buddhaadvice]

I'm very new to Buddhism and prefer the Mahayana teachings, although I don't agree with reincarnation. I believe when we die our consciousness no longer exists and our energy then moves into other living and non living things around us. I really appreciate the teachings of Buddhism and would love to become a Buddhist, but would it be okay having this view on death while still practicing?

I think I should explain something about reincarnation and rebirth.

Reincarnation is the idea in which your soul is transferred into another body when you pass on, right? Well, in Buddhism, there isn’t really such a thing as a soul or even a “self” because we are constantly changing. We are not the same people we once were. One thing that’s commonly said in Buddhism is that our “self” is an illusion. So to say that our soul is going to be transferred to another body doesn’t really work out well because the soul that is being transferred is no longer the same as it once was due to the fact that we constantly change. I hope that makes sense.

Rebirth, which is what the Buddha actually taught, is something that constantly happens. You are reborn in every moment. You are considered “reborn” because you are not the same as you once were. For example, after reading all of this, you can be considered “reborn” because you have learned something new, making you not the same as you were before you read this. A major idea in rebirth is that the energy you left behind once you pass away takes another form that can be called another life.

Although, I’m wondering if what you meant is on the more scientific side in which the body decays, plants absorb the energy, and the energy is transferred to other organisms through the process of consumption.

Regardless, you don’t have to believe in reincarnation/rebirth to be a Buddhist. It’s fine :)

-Kyo

[buddhaadvice]

I'm just having such a hard time trying to transform myself to be better, I feel like I'm just such a horrible person and that I may never reach peace because of my crippling anxiety. I don't know even where to begin with myself.

Hello~

One thing that might help you a lot with your anxiety is breathing exercises. All you need to do is inhale for 4 seconds and exhale for 4 seconds.

Since I’m not quite sure of the context of this message, I’m going to make a general statement and recommend this book to you that really helped my partner through tough times. It’s called The Anxious Buddhist and it can be read for free by clicking this link. 

You should also recognize that it may take you a very long time to reach the peace you’re looking for. Finding inner peace is not a race and while it is one of the main goals, this is one thing in which your journey is more important than the goal.

I’m sorry I can’t be of much help to you. If you would like, I could talk to you about more specific things privately. I hope this was helpful.

-Kyo

[buddhaadvice]

One of my friends is really mad at me, in fact she hates me. I really want to fix it but another part of me doesn't due to the reason she doesn't like me is not my fault. Should u keep trying to reach out?

I would make an attempt; however, if that doesn’t work, let it go. Explain that you two are supposed to be friends and you shouldn’t let outside factors affect your relationship. Don’t waste your energy on someone unwilling to forgive you or see you for who you are. 

[buddhaadvice]

I have heard the advice that you can learn a lot about yourself when dealing with difficult people...I just can't see how to do this. I often struggle with my demanding 6 year old daughter. Do you have any advice ? I am not sure where to start

Hello!Might I suggest starting by observing your emotional and social reactions to her behaviour? If you become angry, ask yourself why? Does this have something to do with you, maybe about something that has to with your childhood and your relationship to your parents?In general, when dealing with difficult people, we can learn about our limits. How much can you handle before your stress turns into anger? How can you avoid this to find a more constructive sollution? Or do you feel that the anger is necessary for you to express your limits? Maybe you feel the anger is justified by other peoples behaviour? Why do you feel like this?My general advice is, in other words, observe yourself and your emotional and social reactions when dealing with others. Ask yourself why you have these reactions and go forth from there.I hope this was any help!Take care!/thehyperactivebuddhist

[buddhabe]

prayer beads 

[thecalminside]

Walking meditation can be very enjoyable. We walk slowly, alone or with friends, if possible in some beautiful place. Walking meditation is really to enjoy the walking. Walking not in order to arrive, just for walking. The purpose is to be in the present moment and enjoy each step you make. Therefore you have to shake off all worries and anxieties, not thinking of the future, not thinking of the past, just enjoying the present moment. You can take the hand of a child as you do it. You walk, you make steps as if you are the happiest person on Earth.

Thich Nhat Hanh

[televisionofnomads]

Bangkok

[etherealde]

[enigma-psychosis]

Truth.

[thedancingdakini]

[buddhaadvice]

A prayer for all sentient beings

[buddhaadvice]

Hi! I need to focus more on myself. I have a hard time being productive and being present. I know I should do my own thing, live my own life passionately and it will attract the right people. But I find it hard to focus on myself : I focus too much on 'attracting' people to me; it's not that I fake myself : I try to be as authentic as I can be, but it takes way too much space in my mind. (And of course I get disappointed sometimes). Could you help me ?

Hello~

As cliche as it’s going to sound, you need to be yourself. And it seems to me that you already know what you need to do. You need to do things because you want to, not because of other people. Focusing on other people, as you’ve noted, leads to disappointment.  

I think instead of being preoccupied with trying to draw people to you, you should try to reach out to other people and network. Make new friends and business partners. Don't stay hung up on bringing people to you.

I hope this is helpful in some way to you,

Kyo

[buddhaadvice]

Hello ! I want to become more comfortable with being a beginner amongst people who are really good at what they're doing, but I don't know where to start. Any insight?

Hi :)

One thing that's important to remember is that those who are advanced or experts were in the same shoes as you at some point. They were beginners who didn't know much and they felt the same way you did; however, they continued to push through by learning all that they could to get to where they are now. You must have the same mindset. Let their level of knowledge inspire you to live up to the potential you have.

Best wishes,

Kyo