The Framework

Meditation

Meditate in whatever way works for you.

Here’s what I like:

I love the positive framing of the basic 4 Buddhist vows and the 8 fold path.

Do these 12 things.

However, for a secular westerner…it took me quite awhile to understand how it applies to me.

Note the language below isn’t necessarily how these 12 things are typically phrased, but I feel that this phrasing is a bit more understandable.

To save innumerable living beings: A vow to help all sentient beings.
To eradicate unlimited earthly desires: A vow to end all delusions and attachments.
To master inexhaustible doctrines: A vow to learn all the teachings of the Dharma
To attain unsurpassed enlightenment: A vow to achieve full Buddhahood

Right View: Understanding the nature of reality, including concepts like impermanence and suffering
Right Intention: Cultivating thoughts of love, compassion, and non-harming
Right Speech: Speaking truthfully, kindly, and constructively
Right Action: Acting ethically by avoiding harm, killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct
Right Livelihood: Earning a living in a way that does not harm others
Right Effort: Diligently preventing unwholesome states and cultivating wholesome ones
Right Mindfulness: Being present and aware of one’s body, feelings, and mind
Right Concentration: Developing single-pointedness of mind, often through meditation

I recently posted about this here.

For the rest of your life you should look for opportunities to nurture your curiosity.

So I’ve established some simple rules for life that include:

Lead your life ethically
Be kind by default
Nurture your curiosity
Alcohol is bad for me
THC isn’t bad. In fact it’s highly useful combined with the float tank and meditation. So Buddha got that part wrong about no intoxicants. But then again, he never had a sensory deprivation float tank in his basement.
Meditate! Every single day
Workout! Every single day
Dogs are better people than most humans are. Slow down and read that again. Replace 90% of your phone / social media time with taking your dog for a walk.