The mention of the word "nirvana" evokes a double feeling. On the one hand, you understand that this is something light, sublime. On the other hand, the mention of nirvana in connection with drugs and aggression somewhat spoils the impression.

How did this central concept of Buddhism come to life? How do the Dalai Lama XIV explain nirvana? How can a non-Buddhist achieve happiness without suffering?

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Nirvana is a complex and ambiguous key term in the Buddhist worldview, which describes the main goal on the path of the Buddhist path. This is the nicest possible place that every Buddhist seeks to reach. Even the Buddha himself did not give an unambiguous definition of nirvana - he said that in nirvana there is no thought flow, fears, fears, in general, everything that has to the world of phenomena. Therefore, it cannot be described in terms of our usual reality.

In the Western consciousness, the concept of nirvana is explained too simplistically. It rather resembles a collective image of euphoria , tranquility, the highest bliss, an unknown feeling of calmness and delight. A rather primitive concept appeared in everyday vocabulary during the hippie movement.

Then the state of sweet numbness and indescribable pleasure after taking psychotropic drugs was called "falling into nirvana." Depending on preferences and views, today they "fall into nirvana" from anything: at the sound of their favorite melody, after sex, from good drinks, from a successful business.

It is clear that only Buddhists who have passed the difficult path of enlightenment can achieve that Buddhist nirvana. But most people just want to be happy . True, rarely anyone succeeds in grabbing a blue bird by the tail. There are at least two explanations for this:

We dream of happiness , but we don't know how to be happy. At school and university, we are taught smart things, but they do not tell the main thing: how to control our emotions , resist excessive depression, track the level of stress, defend personal boundaries, and make independent decisions. But all of this is the foundation of mental health and happiness.

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We strive for happiness, but we are afraid to give up suffering. This may sound unexpected, but suffering has its benefits and benefits. They help to attract attention to themselves, give cause for pity, excite the blood, tickle the nerves. By realizing all the bonuses that suffering bring to life, you can begin to change.

It is not easy to become happy, it takes time. And the first thing that can be done is to slow down, take time for yourself and deal with your emotions: when and where they come from, what are they called, what they want to tell us about.

Such introspection is not carried out in one day, it may require work with a psychologist. But it will help you to discover the main source of suffering and stop feeling sorry for yourself. And that's half the battle.

What to do next?

Don't set yourself sky-high standards of happiness. The tones of motivational advice from books and videos have been observed to lead to even more frustration . It, in t

Gradually develop the skill of “being happy”. It will not be possible to jump from misery to happiness in one jump - to rebuild your usual model of the world in one day is simply unrealistic. A positive perception of the world needs to be developed in oneself day by day. In other words, re-educate yourself. And this is painstaking but pleasant work.

Communicate more, but do it profitably. Sometimes we communicate with others "just like that." But just to pass the time means to kill him. Even if you want to relax outside of work , communication should have a purpose . A board game, a fun garage sale, a tour of your hometown, cooking together, dancing lessons - all this will help you relax, have fun and have pleasant memories.

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Don't waste time trying to fill the time to avoid loneliness. It is much easier to enjoy the moments when everyone is left alone. Time alone with yourself is an opportunity to get to know yourself, master meditation , reflect on your mood and goals.

Practice effective altruism. The practice is based on a simple idea: to do as much good as possible. It does not require continuous self-sacrifice or material expenditure. She awakens to take into account not only their interests, but the interests of loved ones, the needs of strangers. After all, it is obvious that by helping others, we are helping ourselves.

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