What would Buddha Do?

The word ‘Buddha’ conjures an image of a monk seated under a Bodhi Tree deep in meditation, he appears oblivious to the world around and is traversing different worlds orbiting away from the madness around. Does he distill silence from the quiet or finds quiet in the noise, is a thought to ponder

One may think it is easy to be in a state of calm and bliss, away from the hustle bustle of the chaos surrounding us. However, chaos is central to our lives and the choice to alienate ourselves from the real world may never be presented.

I believe that Buddha can also be a state of mind or a state of being.

The strange dichotomy of the world viewed through a kaleidoscope and the undercurrents of silence beneath the surface of chaos presents a choice for us to be ‘Buddha’.

Our lives are full of rotten smelling garbage of chatter, ego and perceived grandeur. We chase the horizon in various forms – titles, designations, addresses, money, accomplishments, certificates, social recognition and countless others, only to be controlled by the mysterious unknown.

You retire at an age, somebody gives you a certificate, somebody dangles a reward only to move it further away enticing you to chase it. These external symbols pull us away from the true state of being ‘Buddha’.

Buddha is about smelling the roses when surrounded by garbage

Buddha is when you take a deep breath, to find your core free

Buddha is being you for you and no one else

Buddha is staying centered

Buddha is here and now

When in doubt, chaos and distress I often ask myself what would Buddha do?

*These are independent views of the author and do not reflect any other individual's or organization's views.