Resonance with Divinity: Seeking Liberation through Buddha's Timeless Wisdom

By Anupama Vaidya supported by Sunita Fernandes

Every evening, the first thing that greets me upon entering my living room is the serene statue of Buddha, its form frozen in a timeless meditation. A wave of peace washes over me as I shed the day’s stress. Simply gazing upon its calming features – the gentle smile, the composed posture – ushers in a profound sense of tranquillity and introspection.

More than just enhancing the aesthetic ambience, this Buddha has become a cornerstone of my well-being, serving as a constant reminder to cultivate mindfulness in the daily whirlwind. The statue acts as a beacon, drawing me into moments of quiet reflection. It's a chance to reconnect with my inner self, to unearth purpose and meaning beyond the daily grind.

As I settle into the quietude, Buddha's gaze feels like a silent encouragement; I feel it’s gentle nudge to reconnect with my purpose, to prepare for the journey ahead. Renewed and centred, I rise, the statue's serenity leaving me energized. The next day stretches before me, an opportunity to align my actions with my intent, to make a meaningful impact and make a difference to the lives I touch.

This Buddha Purnima, as we celebrate the extraordinary journey of the prince who shed his gilded cage for a path of truth and transformed to the timeless Gautam Buddha!  His transformative journey serves as a beacon, reminding us that true liberation lies not in material possessions, but in breaking free from the mental chains of attachment and desire.

The timeless wisdom of Budda became my anchor during a life-altering event. I grappled with letting-go, breaking free from attachments, overcoming emotions, grief and fear. Life demanded peace with acceptance of what was happening and the ability to deal with it. This wouldn’t have been possible without the timeless wisdom of Buddha. Mindfulness, acceptance and forgiveness became my guiding light, as I steered my life to bounce back and rediscover the real purpose of my life.

Mindfulness: Stepping back from the storm, wiping the fog to seek clarity.

Practicing mindfulness for me, was like stepping back from a raging storm. Instead of being swept away by my emotions, I could observe them with a detached awareness. This allowed me to process the pain without getting lost in it. With each breath, I saw the situation with greater clarity, and the negativity that threatened to engulf me began to lose its hold.

Cultivating mindfulness, and liberating myself from negative emotional and materialistic burdens not only helped me enrich life positively but also built resilience within me to smoothly sail through the storms of challenges without fear or anxiety.  

Acceptance: Releasing the clenched fist, making way to refresh. 

Acceptance in turn, was like releasing a clenched fist. Instead of trying to control the situation, I acknowledged reality. It was a powerful moment of introspection, a reconnection with my true self. This newfound acceptance created space for fresh perspectives. I could detach my sense of self from the swirling thoughts and emotions, a liberation of "Me" from the confines of "Myself."

Forgiveness: Letting go, moving forward

Forgiveness, on the other hand,  was like letting go of a heavy bag of stones. Resentment, grief, fear and bitterness – all the things I clung to – began to loosen their grip. With each act of forgiveness, I felt lighter, freer to move forward on my journey.

It wasn’t a magic fix or solution, but it gave me strength that I needed to face each day with a renewed purpose. I learned to approach challenges with a calm mind, acting as a custodian of my inner being. These three pillars have become integral to me, and I continue to work and strengthen them, fuelled by the Buddhist wisdom:  

Pain is inevitable, suffering is a choice.  

Acting as a catalyst for me and leaving an indelible mark on me, this insight is a source of strength to learn every day, grow through every experiential moment and discover the gift of life. It is what has been helping me empower and learn to be more mindful, accepting and forgiving.

Life threw a curveball and I found myself dealing with a torrent of emotions. It was during this phase of life that I learned the profound distinction between pain and suffering. Pain, whether physical or emotional sensation, be it a throbbing headache, or a physical wound or a pang of grief, or experiencing loss or dealing with such life altering event, is an unavoidable part of human experience. Suffering, however, is our emotional response or reaction to that pain – the dwelling, the negativity and the rumination that amplifies the pain and creates a cycle of misery. This realization became a turning point. I faced a choice: remain trapped in suffering or actively deal with pain and build a foundation of positivity to experience life fully.

The power of Buddha’s teaching’s resonated deeply and continues to illuminate my pathway as I deal with life. Our response is within our control became integral to me and embracing this concept, I embarked on a conscious journey towards resilience and inner peace. Each day, I strive to acknowledge and process pain without being swept away by negativity. Through reflection and self-awareness, I’m constantly learning and evolving by applying the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold framework of Buddha, practicing mindfulness, acceptance and forgiveness, determined to become a better version of myself.

Today as we rejoice and celebrate the life of Gautam Buddha, sharing my story as a part of Resonance with Divinity, isn’t just about me. It’s about offering solace and strength, a hand reaching out on a path of life. Through my own experiences, serving as a genuine case for you to 

Pause and Reflect 

as we recommit to imbibing his timeless wisdom. Even a fraction of it, gives us the power to navigate life, its challenges and discover the inner peace.

I leave you with a set of questions to ponder on your journey towards resilience and inner peace: 

🙏Are you in acceptance of life’s inherent pain & acknowledge the reality of suffering? Are you ready to step back from the raging storm and practice mindfulness? How are you bringing in fresh perspectives by clearing the windshield of the mind? 

🙏How are you striving to enhance your emotional intelligence that can considerably improve your overall well-being leading to a fulfilling and purposeful existence?

🙏Are you delving into the source of your suffering? What desires, cravings, biases and attachments ignite the flames of discomfort? We cling fiercely to thoughts, possessions, people and even experiences, only to find frustration and be disappointed when they inevitably change. Are you ready to explore these root causes?

🙏Are you ready to shed these attachments and embrace a more peaceful existence? Yes, pain may persist in life, but by letting go, we transform our suffering into a stepping stone. What truly hinders this liberation? Is it a fear of the unfamiliar, the anxiety of letting go of what’s known, even if it brings discontent? By clinging on to these, are you missing out on the wealth of life, the constant learning, growth and profound sense of peace that comes with letting go?

🙏Are you holding onto a grudge, thinking that it is protecting you? Are you chained to your past, or are you healing yourself to move ahead?  Are you letting forgiveness be a gift of life to yourself? Taking the first step to forgive doesn’t erase the hurt, but it can offer freedom and chance to move forward? Are you ready to take that step forward?

🙏Are you learning and practicing the path to achieving the cessation of suffering? Do you practice the framework for living mindful, ethical and compassionate life? The Right View, The Right Intention, The Right Speech, The Right Action, The Right Livelihood,  The Right Effort, The Right Mindfulness, The Right Concentration.

May the teachings of Buddha guide us towards a path of peace, compassion, and wisdom. Happy Buddha Jayanti!