Transcend Insecurity The Buddha's Way

Transcend Insecurity The Buddha’s Way We all know that life is filled with many uncertainties, which means that oftentimes we can find ourselves experiencing broad range feelings of insecurity from such unknowns. As we realize the importance of personal practice to devote time for cultivating patience and wisdom, we can gracefully transcend feelings of insecurity through the Buddha’s Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path, also known as the ‘Middle Way’, is the process of experiencing life at all levels as a Spiritual being in a mundane world. The term “Middle” does not in any way imply compromise, as it somehow seemingly sounds. More accurately it means not living to any extremes. Although this philosophy begins with the “Right View” it is also woven throughout the underpinnings of the path. This view continues to influence everything and in the end, once again, will bring one full circle right back to “Right View”. As we make reference to this “path” so to say, it’s really not a linear concept, about taking sequential steps; rather, it is depicted in this way as an explanatory model that integrates all components for enlightened living. A fundamental, necessary insight toward enlightenment begins with understanding that our being consists of 5 aggregate parts. These parts include the material form, feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness. These components simultaneously influence one another and create our way of being and relating within the world; therefore, it is imperative that we are mindful of all of these aspects. The Eastern concept known as “Wrong View”, as opposed to “Right View”, is used to explain all forms of human suffering. It is when we don’t see things as they really are, and live from delusions or denials that pain intensifies and much work is needed in order to achieve enlightenment. According to the Buddha’s framework, both evident and subtle pain (often misinterpreted) can be overcome as one commits to discovering truths along their journey. Although we may know that to truly discover truth, many forms of object attachments must be released; this is clearly much easier said than done. Sometimes we are forced to give up our attachments through moments of crisis, major change or other imposed sacrifice. Examples of the aforementioned could include incidences of fire, an earthquake or other natural disasters that destroy personal belongings that make detachments even more painful since they were not willfully done. On the other hand, if we choose to release our attachments as a means for personal transformation than it feels like a relief to let go of what no longer serves us as necessary in our lives. An honest discernment and values clarification is always helpful. Throughout the Eightfold path of Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentrationrnwe can expect personal transformation and truth to naturally unfold. Seeking and pursuing this Eightfold Path is also a Purification process that prepares one for transformation itself. Though only when we focus on our own growth, reflect and consider our own effects and impact on the world, are we taking full self-responsibility and ownership of our reality. Truth in reality is both Mundane and Spiritual Once we decide to live the Buddha’s way, we can earnestly transcend our insecurities. It is then that we can feel more comfortable and secure with who we are rather than what we may have. After all, real security only comes from within.