How to achieve the Middle Path in the 21st Century

To help us achieve the Middle Path, the Buddha set out the basic concepts of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

• The first truth states something we all know - that life is suffering - experiencing physical and psychological pain, illness, disease, old age, and ultimately, death. Nothing lasts forever.
  
  
• The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and desire.
  
  
• The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained. By overcoming the notion of self, of desire, we have the spiritual freedom and motivation to help others.
  
  
• The fourth truth is that the Noble Eightfold Path leads to the end of suffering. Its eight steps are, Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration.

By ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom and by developing a harmonious equanimity, we can lead complete and fulfilling lives. It is a balanced approach - seeing things as they really are and not as they appear to be.

And by basing our conduct on the Buddhist Five Precepts of not killing, not stealing, not misusing sex, not speaking falsely, and not using alcohol or drugs, we can follow the Middle Path in a spirit of loving kindness and true understanding.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DANAI CHANCHAOCHAI

Danai Chanchaochai, 36-year old CEO of a leading public relations firm in Thailand, MDK Consultants, is living proof of a new generation executive who can well balance the world of business and the teachings of Lord Buddha.

Also radio host and a columnist on Dhamma, Danai has played an active role in promoting Lord Buddha's teaching into daily's lives. Under his guidance, the company has successfully integrated Vipassana meditation with corporate practices. It not only supports meditation courses for its staff, but also promotes Vipassana meditation for its blue-chip clients and the general public. MDK's staff are encouraged to take 8 - day meditation courses to benefit their overall well being and productivity, as well as the company's as a whole.

His easy-to-understand Dhamma has inspired colleagues and friends both in Thailand and abroad to pay more attention to the discovered truth and wisdom of Buddha. His ultimate goal is to position Dhamma as an everlasting, practical guide for everyone.

In the introduction of an account of his own ordination as a Buddhist monk in Thailand he says, "It's not without reason that Thailand is called 'The Land of Smiles'. Any individual who lives his life according to the Lord Buddha's guidance, should be able to avoid a great deal of suffering. Thailand being a predominantly Buddhist country, therefore the smiles."

There will certainly be an abundance of smiles throughout the New Year celebrations both here in Thailand an around the world. The trick though is to maintain that cheery disposition, that optimistic outlook. To make every day a new day.

And how do we do that in a world where conflicts between nations and people constantly loom on the horizon, and as individuals we have families to feed, work to be done and problems to resolve?

One way for certain, is to discover the truths of Buddhist thinking. Of learning and then understanding through self-discovery that our unhappiness, our suffering, stems from desire and that cessation of desire leads to a clarity of vision and a happiness that can come only from true understanding.

Noble aspirations you might say, but not to easy to achieve in today's busy materialistic world. Actually, getting started on that Middle Path, is really not so difficult. Here are five tips to waking up every day with that 'glad to be alive feeling'.

1. Start with a 20-minute session of "mindful breathing." That means sitting in a comfortable and relaxed position, spine erect, shoulders down and relaxed. Focus only on the breath flowing into and out of your body. Notice the sensation of the breath, as it whispers across the skin just below the nostrils, and above the upper lip. Feel the sensation as you breathe.
   
   You can increase the duration of your 'breathing' session as you progress.
   
   
2. Think positive, happy thoughts. Think kindly of others and consider your words carefully.
   
   
3. Look first within yourself before looking to the external world and make this a golden rule.
   
   
4. Do at least one good deed a day. Be the first to smile, the first to say sorry, the first to forgive.
   
   
5. Savour every minute, every hour, of every day.
   

Follow these five "New Year Resolutions" and every day will indeed be a new day, and 2003 will be the first of many years of happiness.