7 Tips from a Buddhist Monk on Living a Fulfilled Life

Is there any doubt that people are searching for happiness in the wrong places?

Reaching a fulfilled lifestyle is much more than just a beautiful home or modern car. It’s about connecting with yourself on more than just a conscious level. Buddhist Monks have obviously figured this out because instead of chasing material value they look within. The following tips come from Monks who know what a fulfilled life entails.

Never Stop Trying

The worst thing technology has taught us is to be lazy. According to a Monk it is crucial to try several times before giving up. It is also important to try different approaches.

When you have reached the point where nothing works then make peace and move on, but giving up after only trying once usually leads to disappointment.

The Answers come from within

A fundamental principle for Monks is to use intuition. In order to deal with problems the world throws at you, you need to use that sixth sense.

Buddhism students are only given a small amount of information from which they have to solve big problems. This is part of their preparation for facing the world. In essence the universe will open the door, but you need to walk through it and not freaking out when the answer isn’t clear from the start is a discipline we must try to master.

All the answers reside within us; we just need to look in the right places.

Failure Equals Growth

This is a lesson very few people seem to understand. Making a mistake or failing at something tends to make us focus on the bad part. We should keep in mind that there are always two sides to a coin.

Mistakes and failure is a learning process and a precious one at that. Someone can teach you a valuable lesson, but unless you actually go through it yourself it won’t hold as much value.

Taking chances are such a critical part of a fulfilled life and yet we are scared to take part in the learning process.

Learn to be Patient

For some people patience is the hardest thing to achieve. Notice how these people become angry and agitated quite quickly. There is a time and place for everything. Time is man-made and should never cause you frustration.

Patience is definitely a virtue and the moment you are capable of controlling it you are well on your way to leading a happier life.

Forget about what other People think

Society has a way of programming our egos. We are constantly aware of what other people might be thinking or saying about us. Feeding the ego is by no means healthy and even though we think it results in happiness, we are greatly mistaken. Keeping your ego happy doesn’t mean that you are happy.

The Monks suggest that you detach from your ego, because it’s the reason why you will never grow spiritually. You need to focus on what you think and feel instead of those around you.

Fight the Enemy within

Just as the answers reside within ourselves, so does our biggest enemy. You might think your biggest enemy is your boss or the bully at school, but it’s not. You are the one that gives power to your fears and insecurities.

Before you can accomplish anything you need to tackle the enemy that empowers the elements keeping you from happiness. In other words, overcome your internal fears.

Happiness Starts from within

It will be cynical to assume that happiness is only based on the spiritual side of life. Family and friends, music, books, hobbies, all of these form part of your journey. However, you cannot enjoy anything if you are not happy internally.

Once you reach happiness from within it will manifest outside in the people and things that make life worth living. This is also why meditation is such a significant practice for Monks because it combines all the above mentioned tips.

It is natural to find happiness and fulfilment in the world outside, but it doesn’t mean you should neglect internal happiness. Those who find peace inside their mind usually don’t care much for materialistic objects or public opinions.

They are happy and fulfilled. Nevertheless, everyone is different and by following the above mentioned advice you can dramatically increase the happiness in your life.