10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

[Kyonin]

Hey guys!

Someone on my Twitter found this article in a blog that list some concepts in Buddhism that had been studied by science. While some of them I think are common place now, it's a good post nonetheless.

I love it when science and Buddhism agree! What do you think?

http://www.wildmind.org/blogs/on-practi ... -you-happy

Here is a shortened list:

1. Be generous
2. Savor everyday moments
3. Avoid comparisons
4. Put money low on the list
5. Have meaningful goals
6. Take initiative at work
7. Make friends, treasure family
8. Look on the bright side
9. Say thank you like you mean it
10. Get out and exercise

[Shokai]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

Thanks for sharing this Choco!

[Hoyu]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

Thanks Kyonin this was a nice article

I really dig this bit from #3(Avoid comparisons)

Buddhists are advised to avoid “conceit.” Now in the west we think of conceit as a sense of superiority, but in Buddhism conceit includes thinking you’re inferior to others, AND it includes thinking that you’re equal to others! What’s left? Just not thinking in terms of self and other at all.

Gassho,
Hoyu

[Kaishin]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

What's this "happiness"? I'm trying to find it...but I can't... :wink:

My problem with articles like this is that it sets up "happiness" (whatever the heck that is) as a goal of practice. But I don't think that's quite it. There is always flux, you can't put your finger on it. Maybe equanimity is a better choice of words here. "Happy" is seen as a positive state. But we know where that trap gets us...

Hmm.

[Omoi Otoshi]

10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
-Dalai Lama

[Ryumon]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

What's this "happiness"? I'm trying to find it...but I can't... :wink:

My problem with articles like this is that it sets up "happiness" (whatever the heck that is) as a goal of practice. But I don't think that's quite it. There is always flux, you can't put your finger on it. Maybe equanimity is a better choice of words here. "Happy" is seen as a positive state. But we know where that trap gets us...

Hmm.

Yes, my feeling exactly. Owen Flannagan, in his recent book The Boddhisatva's Brain looks at that and points out that Buddhism doesn't claim to offer happiness, but a release from suffering, or, as he says, eudamonia, or flourishing, or "a stable sense of serenity and contentment."

[Kaishin]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

What's this "happiness"? I'm trying to find it...but I can't... :wink:

My problem with articles like this is that it sets up "happiness" (whatever the heck that is) as a goal of practice. But I don't think that's quite it. There is always flux, you can't put your finger on it. Maybe equanimity is a better choice of words here. "Happy" is seen as a positive state. But we know where that trap gets us...

Hmm.

Yes, my feeling exactly. Owen Flannagan, in his recent book The Boddhisatva's Brain looks at that and points out that Buddhism doesn't claim to offer happiness, but a release from suffering, or, as he says, eudamonia, or flourishing, or "a stable sense of serenity and contentment."

Do you recommend that book? I read the preface in the online preview...looks pretty interesting.

[Ryumon]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

It's very interesting, a bit dense, and covers several areas, not just the "eudamion" bit. He's a very good writer, and can make complex things seem a lot less complex. But it is a demanding book that requires a lot of attention and reflection.

So, in short, if that's the kind of reading you do, yes, I recommend it. I bought several of his other books after reading it.

[Jinyo]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

Hi - there's a lot of literature out there and members often mention books/articles they've found interesting/useful.

Is there a central thread on the site where we can leave book reviews/recommendations?

thanks,

Willow

[Ryumon]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

It might be a good idea to create a sub-forum for reviews of books and other objects...

[Kaishin]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

Hi - there's a lot of literature out there and members often mention books/articles they've found interesting/useful.

Is there a central thread on the site where we can leave book reviews/recommendations?

thanks,

Willow

Not that I'm aware of. Usually people just post a new thread. Jundo sometimes posts reviews, maybe in the Recommended Reading thread. But I like your idea, would make these easier to find.

[Jundo]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

Hi - there's a lot of literature out there and members often mention books/articles they've found interesting/useful.

Is there a central thread on the site where we can leave book reviews/recommendations?

thanks,

Willow

Not that I'm aware of. Usually people just post a new thread. Jundo sometimes posts reviews, maybe in the Recommended Reading thread. But I like your idea, would make these easier to find.

Hi,

I am happy to have people post reviews of books and such, but if related to Zen/Zazen/Buddhism, I will ask to keep the content and teachings pretty strictly to what we practice here. Maybe check with me or Taigu before recommending a book.

We are not a forum for "general meditation/Buddhism discussion", but a practice place emphasizing a particular flavor and approach to Practice. So, in our "Karate Dojo" we don't really teach the ways of Judo or tennis because not consistent with the Karate Practice here.

Gassho, Jundo

[Rev R]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

Seems to me the trick is to drop the thought, "I will be happy if X condition is met".

[Kaishin]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

Seems to me the trick is to drop the thought, "I will be happy if X condition is met".

Yes, hard to do though. Damn hard.

[Rev R]

Re: 10 things science (and Buddhism) says will make you happy

So is a triple lutz (?) but it can be done.