A Sunshine State of Mind Dispels Depression
What should one do when losing one’s freedom and being locked in prison? Be sad and hopeless? Or is it better to recognize it as an opportunity to learn and to stand up again? Khenpo Sodargye encouraged the prisoners in Zomba Maximum prison to choose the latter. By working with their mental attitude they gain psychological freedom, allowing prisoners to break loose from the pain of losing physical freedom. Khenpo also suggested they develop skills, stick to their own beliefs and learn to cultivate appreciation for what they have. In the end, Khenpo taught them to chant blissful mantras that can bring benefit to their physical and mental wellbeing.
Forgiveness Heals
Forgiveness Heals
Without letting go of our anger toward those who mistreated us and brought us pain, our mind is imprisoned although we are physically set free. Knowing this, we should be willing to forgive those who abused us and treated us unfairly.
Be Strong in Life’s Twist
We might not be as great as Nelson Mandela, a former prisoner, who after years of incarceration became the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the president of South Africa. However, we can gain some inspiration from his biography. Being in prison, you may feel inferior, sad and lonely, endure suffering and have grievances. At times like this, there are people like Mandela who have remained resilient and determined. So, why can’t you?
Without letting go of our anger toward those who mistreated us and brought us pain, our mind is imprisoned although we are physically set free. Knowing this, we should be willing to forgive those who abused us and treated us unfairly.
Always Have Hope, No Matter What
Always Have Hope, No Matter What
Never lose hope. We all have varied experience in different stages of life. Being in prison can be seen as an opportunity to examine oneself. Like Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Also, St. Francis of Assisi famously said, “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” In the same way, try to see the light of the nature of your mind, or the light of wisdom and courage, and never let it be extinguished by any adversity.
Being Heroes of the World
“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” With the courage to face up to difficulties, we are able to return kindness equally to those who harm us and those who help us. This is hard to do, but once we achieve this, we are heroes of the world.
Stick to Your Faith and Open to All Beliefs
Nearly every religion, no matter whether it is Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism or Hinduism, carries the power to bring happiness and to help one transcend oneself. Therefore, stick to your faith if you have one. If not, it’s better to respect people of different faiths. Followers of different religions should get along with one another, and learn the philosophies of other religions. This is very helpful in your life. What’s more, always praying in times of difficulty is very important.
Never lose hope. We all have varied experience in different stages of life. Being in prison can be seen as an opportunity to examine oneself. Like Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Also, St. Francis of Assisi famously said, “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” In the same way, try to see the light of the nature of your mind, or the light of wisdom and courage, and never let it be extinguished by any adversity.
We may slip in life sometimes, and make mistakes we regret. However, we recover our success when we stand up bravely and hold on to a good life.
