Summary
Let go (external/internal/fears), grow (awareness/reflection/meditation) and then give (performing your Dharma to provide good to the world).
Notes
Background – Jay was on the typical ethnic path of getting a “good” job in consulting (as was encouraged by his parents and community). However, he was inspired to visit an Ashram in India after hearing a talk by a spiritual guru. He realised quickly that the fulfilment he received from training to become a monk at the Ashram far outweighed working in consulting. He realised his Dharma was to teach/talk and spread what he learned as a monk.
- Let go “It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection” Bhagavad Gita 3.35
Our identities are shaped mainly by what we think others think and expect of us. We need to be able to let go of the pressures to impress/please others and focus on what our true values are. We cling on to stuff e.g. people and material possessions, but letting go allows for stillness and growth.
- Negativity – monks approach everything with self awareness. Take a step back (detachment but not indifference), remove the emotion from the moment and identify the root of the issue (linked to true intentions). The key to real freedom is self awareness.
- Fear does not prevent death. It prevents life. —Buddha
- Monks are the OG minimalists. Immersive techniques, meditation, fasting, chanting, service – to grow and understand ones self.
- Dharma – You can’t be anything you want. But you can be everything you are.
A persons psychophysical nature, or certain attributes that make one Dharma a better fit than another, determines their true purpose. By understanding and tapping into these advantages, it will uncover how you will be able to serve others and provide a positive impact to the world.
- Until you understand yourself, you won’t be ready for love.
- The highest purpose is to live in service, helping others, and performing your Dharma to make a positive impact to the world.
- Meditation -Because the only thing that stays with you from the moment you’re born until the moment you die is your breath.
He discusses the following aspects of meditation Breath / Visualisation / Chanting / Death
Fear does note prevent death. It prevents life.
Buddha
