When you’ve done all you can

In following the path that is your life, obstacles get thrown your way. These obstacles are distractions. Distractions put in place to either distract you, deter you from your intended path or act as a hindrance.  I’m facing yet another such “distraction”.

I’ve been accepted into two prominent universities – York University and University of Ontario Institute of Technology. The tuition for both university is a little over 2 million dollars. I’m very affluent. I’m affluent with health. I’m affluent with spirituality. I’m affluent with many blessings passed on from the good deeds of my family, but when it comes to monetary riches, I am destitute.

I seldom stress over certain things. I think that it has something to do with this little saying: “Que sera sera”. I’m elated that I got accepted into both universities, and all I can do now is wait and see. If I’m to go to either, then something will work out. Right? Is this blind faith? Any advice?

Until the very last minute, I will remain steadfast. Unmoved. Unshaken by the reality of my situation. Why? Because if I act defeated, then the challenges that I’ve faced in the past and overcame would have been for naught. I’ve come too far spirituality & emotionally to give up now. I will not let this distraction hinder me from my intended path. The path set out for me from birth.

Spiritual Tuesdays: Buddhist Ethics

A lay Buddhist should train in what is known as the “Five Precepts“. The five precepts are training rules, which, if one were to break any of them, one should be aware of the breach and look at how such a breach may be avoided in the future.

Buddhism places a great emphasis on the ‘mind‘ and its mental anguish such as remorse, anxiety, guilt etc. which is to be avoided to cultivate a calm and peaceful mind. The five precepts are:

1. Avoid taking the life of beings: This applies to all living things not just humans. All beings have a right to their life and that right should be respected.
2. Avoid taking things not given: This goes beyond stealing. One should avoid taking anything unless one is sure it is intended for them.
3. Refrain from false speech:Avoid lies and deceit. Avoid speech which is not beneficial to the welfare of others.
4. Avoid sensual misconduct: This means avoid overindulgence in any sensual pleasures e.g. gluttony as well as misconduct of a sexual nature.
5. Avoid substances which cause intoxication or heedlessness:This does not mean alcohol is bad, but indulgence in such a substance could lead to the breaking of the other four precepts.

The information above was extracted from Buddhanet.net.

Buddhism is a way of life. The precepts above is tantamount to the ten commandments in Christianity.

Thanks for reading … Namaste!

Image via zazenlife.com