Joy of living - 1.The journey begins

Buddhism is practical, a science of mind

The goal is not changing thoughts or behaviours, but to realize (or recognize) that we are good and complete

The panic disorder manifested due to YMR lack of experience to see that it was a product of his mind

Meeting with Western science made him understand the similarity of approaches

• Buddhism: ground, path, fruition (view, method, result)
• Science: theory, experiment, results analysis

Siddharta awaken (become Buddha) looking for the origin of suffering in his own mind.  True potential is limited by dualism, the idea of separation of 'self' from 'other'.  This is not a defect, but part of our biology and can change trough experience.  The method is introspective examination (meditation).  Now is confirmed by modern science.

The experience is transmitted trough words that makes us think and apply the meaning in our life, to eventually change our thinking patterns and get some freedom.  The true meaning is transmitted since the Buddha from teacher to student (the lineage).

YMR belong to the Nyigma and Kagyu traditions.  Nyigma stresses the view, while Kagyu attribute utmost importance to the direct oral transmission. This is important to assure the correct understanding of the words.

Going trough the fear was possible  recognizing that thoughts and emotions are not as solid and real as they appear to be.

Any attempt to capture the direct experience of the nature of mind is impossible.  It is an unshakeable experience of well-being.

Rinpoche had difficulty to understand modern science [NB: that can be compared to our difficulties to understand Buddhist psychology]

In MIT 2003 arose the question "What would happen if Buddhist and Western approaches were combined?".  The outcome is "Why not to focus on getting better and better?" and "realize the full human potential." 

Putting teachings into practice:  Nerea's friend story of meditation with breath

Meditation

Open awareness and breath/Motivation/apreciation/dedication

Question

Why despite all this "new" science and psychology knowledge we are turning out our attention to meditation?