The Joy of Living

 

The Joy of Living

The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret & Science of Happiness by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is fascinating. One must be familiar with the tenets of Buddhism to grasp its fullest meanings and benefits. Much of Mingyur’s discussion was focused on understanding how the mind works. As a world-renowned Buddhist, he was able to bring to bear his Tibetan background, and that of the neurosciences practiced at some American universities.

Underlying his framework, this monk taught his followers the correct ways to meditate. His teachings were based on Buddha’s philosophy, and years of personal experiences. He stressed “object” and “objectless” meditation. How to quiet one’s mind, and observe the thoughts, perceptions, feelings, and images that arise. Everything is One, separated in space by time, and subatomic particles. Mention was made of an individual’s correct posture, and what it means to experience “emptiness” that doesn’t mean void.

The “pictures” in our head are unreal. They appear mainly through five senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. The sixth sense proprioceptive sensations are considered a mystery, for people are largely unaware of them. Mingyur stressed that many tend to rely more on a particular sense when they meditate. But regardless, his advice was to take things slowly, and be patient. He wrote that because of individual differences people tend to progress at different rates. The key was to start meditation with brief moments throughout the day, and gradually build up. Its benefits will nurture better health, peace of mind, a greater understanding of sentient beings, lovingkindness, and more compassionate living.