10 Wise Life Lessons from the Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama was a great spiritual leader and founder of Buddhism in ancient India. In most Buddhist traditions is considered the Supreme Buddha. In translation, the word “Buddha” means “awakened one” or “enlightened one“.

Siddhartha is the main figure in Buddhism, and information about his life, teachings, and monastic principles after his death was cataloged and immortalized by his followers.

Today, I want to discuss some important life lessons we could learn from the Buddha’s teachings.

1. Don’t hesitate to start small

All people start out small. If you are determined and patient, you will reach success. No one can succeed overnight: success comes to those who are ready to start small and work hard.

Don’t wait for some “magical” way to make your dreams come true. Instead, be persistent and willing to work to achieve the life of your dreams.

2. Your thoughts create your reality

The Buddha said: “The mind is everything. What you think you become“.

In order to live a happy life, you should fill your mind with “right” thoughts.

Your thinking determines your actions, and your actions determine the result. The right thinking will help you get everything you want while the wrong thinking damages you and can ruin your life. By changing your mindset, you change your life.

For this reason, watch your thoughts and make a conscious effort to combat negative thinking patterns and unproductive mindsets.

3. Learn to forgive

When you release those imprisoned in your mental prison of unforgiveness, you release yourself too. Learn to forgive. Learn to forgive faster. It’s not an easy task to do, but by forgiving others and making a firm decision to move on, you actually restore your own peace of mind.

4. Action is what counts

Words are worthless. In order to improve your life, you have to act every day. Success does not just fall on your head!

Success comes to those who are constantly working. The Buddha said:

“I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act, but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.”

5. Try to understand others

You should make every effort to understand the point of view of other people. Listen to others, understand their point of view, and you will find peace of mind. Be more focused on how to be happy than on how to be right.

6. Conquer yourself

The one who conquers himself is stronger than anyone. In order to do it, you have to control your thoughts. Get rid of the thoughts that are not in accordance with the life principles you want to follow.

7. Live in harmony

Do not look outside for something that can be found only in your heart. The harmony you find outside can only distract you from the true reality. True harmony and happiness can be found only inside.

8. Be grateful

There are always things that are worthy to be thankful for, even though we often take them for granted. Be optimistic and learn to recognize thousands of things that you should be grateful for.

9. Act as you know

Sometimes you fail not because you did not know what to do but because you did not do what you knew. Act as you know. Focus on who you want to be until you have a strong desire to prove it.

10. Travel

Life is a journey. Do not put your happiness off for an indefinite period willing to reach a goal that you think will make you happy. Travel today and enjoy the journey.

These are just some lessons from the Buddha. Regardless of what your spiritual views are, these truths can improve your life and make you a wiser and more balanced human being.