I will be starting a series on this, there are more and more people becoming Buddhist these days than we’ve seen in many years in the US.
Just as Tiger Woods talked about his upbringing and roots in Buddhism and turned back to it in order to get his life back on track there are countless individuals that are seeing Buddhism change their lives daily.
As an ordained Shikata Zen Priest I have many students that are new to Buddhism and wanting to become Buddhist and change their whole lives because they are seeing a trend, Buddhism is saving peoples lives all over.
So as a testimony of what Buddhism is doing in their lives I will conduct interviews of them and post their personal testimony with hopes that a little inspiration will go a long way.
It is my compassionate hope that this series will touch each Buddhist student that is having a hard time and those that are thinking of trying Buddhism but are not sure.
And for those that are at the end of their ropes I want to say a story like these here could be one of yours. Namaste
Ven – Nathan when did you first start looking into Buddhism as the answer to your life’s situation?
Nate – I first considered it in September of 09 but did not know where to start. I put in on the backburner but after a few months decided this was something I need.
Ven – What in your life caused you to turn to Buddhism?
Nate – I had a lot of stress and anxiety in my life. I was carrying a lot of baggage from my past. I had been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder.
My anxiety was extremely elevated and I was told I would need pills for the rest of my life and that I would never get better.
To me that was unacceptable. I knew anxiety had a root cause and knew I could get better. I discovered Buddhism offered me the path to change me, to know me and to let go of baggage.
Ven – What made you think about Buddhism as something that could change your life for the better?
Nate – I did not know much of Buddhism at that time but what I did know was that it helped people find peace. You did not have to take a pill or pray or wish.
You yourself were able to bring change to you, peace to you. That is what I wanted and knew Buddhism was the path for me.
Ven – How has Zen Buddhism changed your life?
Nate – It has allowed me to be free. By seeking knowledge from within and living in the moment, you see that the world is not what it seems. Neither are you for that matter.
You are constantly changing by the moment as is everything else. I know this is hard to put in words at least for me it is but it liberates you, helps you, you do not focus on what it’s, or futuristic events or even the past.
They do not matter. What matters is what is happening now at this moment because that is what it is, a moment.
It is liberating, Anxiety, fear… they are just delusions of the mind, since realizing that my OCD had pretty much vanished.
Ven – Nathan has your choice to become Zen Buddhist caught the attention of your friends and family? If so how have they responded?
Nate – Some friends know and some have started on their path. Many of them have also been diagnosed with OCD and were told it would not go away.
They have discovered what I have discovered and they are doing better. My family members have seen a change in me and are amazed and happy. My mother is very supportive and has started meditating again. I have told her things I have learned and she is doing some of them. Her stress is virtually gone.
Ven – What changes did you or do you have to make in order to live Buddhist now, the positive changes that is, that have resulted in your positive outcome?
Nate – I changed my lifestyle. I conquered my anxiety. I do not eat meat, I meditate, and I calm my mind. I do not lie; I changed how I saw the world, stopped drinking, stopped caffeine and am working on ending smoking.
Ven – Describe how you feel mentally and physically now that you have been meditating and practicing Buddhism.
Nate – Mentally, I feel awake. I am aware of my actions. I am calm and at peace both mentally and physically.
I am physically healthier; I run more and exercise more. It is good to have a healthy mind but when you have a healthy body to go with the healthy mind you are happy and more relaxed all around.
The changes in Nathan’s life are due to the overwhelming abilities of the calm mind.
When one does away with things that are hindrances to spiritual development one can grow, physically, mentally and spiritually and divine health comes naturally to this person.
Source : http://www.examiner.com
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