Another Good Read

Hello!

I read almost constantly. There are times when it isn't practical to read-like when I'm driving-but more often than not, I've got a book in my hands and I'm reading.

My latest read was Buddha by Deepak Chopra. I often read Mr. Chopra's books. I tend to read fiction and non-fiction in cycles. This book is fiction but has strong spiritual and non-fiction tendencies. Because of the content, I also took out the CD set from the library and am listening to it (I can do that while driving) to be sure I pick up the whole story.

I have been drawn to Buddhism for many years. This book helps someone from Western philosophy better understand Buddhism. I liked this book and am finding the CD's even more enjoyable.

I especially have been meditating on the idea that "everything is an illusion." For a number of years, I have observed people like my family, friends and others in society in the spirit of "Is what I'm seeing really what I'm seeing?" Does that make sense to you? For example, there are often news stories about celebrities who appear very happy and perfectly suited to each other getting divorced, or perhaps a local lawyer or doctor who lives very high off the hog filing for bankruptcy. Stories like this make me stop and wonder if what I think I know, based on what I see, is actually what I DO know, and if I'm really seeing what I'm seeing.

The movie Eyes Wide Shut portrays this kind of theme.

The other point I meditate on since reading the book is about the power of thoughts. In the book Buddha encounters Mara (the devil) and is presented with numerous horrifying and enticing images. Buddha declares the images Mara is showing him to be illusions, and then he thinks creatively to change his circumstances. He changes the outcome of situations in his life by thinking better thoughts. He sees his life from a bigger perspective, one that teaches him that he able to effect a more beneficial outcome. He in fact, "creates his own reality." This enlightenment is what Buddha eventually preaches to the world and lives in his daily life.

I am intrigued. My goal for the remainder of the summer is to try to train myself, to remove myself, from the drama of my day, and look at my life events as illusions and then train my thoughts to make more positive and creative responses. It may be a big goal, but, I figure if I take it day by day, I may be able to get a glimpse of what Buddha preaches to his followers. And if I get a little of his wisdom, perhaps I'll be able to make it a permanent thought pattern, and make my life, and this world, a better place.

Have hope,
Donna