These Silatha principals are the very foundation of everything we believe in. We broach these topics in our meditation app, yet as we believe them to be so crucial to wellbeing we thought we’d dissect them a little here.
The Principle of Lightheartedness
"When you realise how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back, and laugh at the sky.” - Buddha.
Lightheartedness is like tilting your head back and laughing at the sky. It encourages us to approach life simply with childlike eyes, not to take anything too seriously or personally. This quality enables you to react to situations with a relaxed attitude. Take things as they come with a smile in your heart. How can you bring more lightheartedness into your life?
The Principle of Firm Kindness
This may sound like a contradiction, yet is it this exact tension we are seeking. A balance between firmness and kindness. Like the tension in a rope, you want it to be tight enough to be straight, but not so much it'll break.
This journey is one of truth. Being true and genuine to ourselves, and all those around us takes courage. It’s not about being nice but being kind in a truthful way, with integrity and purpose. How can you further bring it into your practice and your life?
The Principle of Non-Attachment
Non-Attachment is closely linked to letting go. Everything in life comes and goes, this is part of life. By not being attached to things, it helps us accept this cyclic process.
In meditation it is also not about getting rid of the thoughts or suppressing emotions. They will always come and go. But the more you practice, the more you will notice which thoughts or emotions repeatedly come back. Feel them, and they release their power over you.
We want to unhook ourselves from being controlled by these thoughts or feelings. You can be aware of them, without drowning in them. We practice letting go of our attachment to our thoughts, our feelings and body sensations - not the thoughts, feelings or sensations themselves. What attachments are you holding onto?
The Principle of Self Mastery
Surprisingly, self-mastery is not about improving ourselves, but being more in tune with reality. As humans we are capable of the full spectrum of emotions: joy, love, anger, jealousy. Self-mastery enables us to look at ourselves more honestly, and welcome who we are, flaws and all.
It doesn’t mean we won’t get angry anymore, but rather we are more aware of this anger and each day become better at choosing how we react. Denying feelings is like rejecting a part of ourselves. We become whole when we accept ourselves as we really are, without trying to perfect or pretend.
Allow that idea of self-mastery to sink in: there is nothing to fix, you are good as you are. When you are being too hard on yourself remember that “you yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” - Buddha.
Which principal do you struggle with the most? Which one is the easiest for you? Realising this can provide some interesting insights into yourself and your own journey.
