Right view, wrong view, middle view or neither view? 

How much does your mood and state of mind get impacted by how you view events and people around you? Buddhism talks about right view in the sense that how we view things impacted our mental suffering. 

Have you ever tried to observe your thoughts and how they’re shaped by your beliefs and judgements? It’s so easy to get lost in the ego telling us that this is wrong and this is right. And is there really such a thing as right and wrong? Isn’t it just an interpretation based on your own experience? 

Having just finished my class on Right View, I wonder if we can move away from that terminology and simply say that this view causes me suffering. Therefore, how do I let it go? Interestingly, the first tool we were given today was ‘generosity’. Clearly, mindfulness also helps. 

Generosity

How can being generous help you be less judgemental? Have you ever noticed that wonderful feeling of joy and warmth when you give something to someone with an open mind and an open heart? It’s so incredible to make someone else happy even if only for an instant. Don’t forget that it’s also not about monetary value. It’s the time, effort and intention that count.

It really doesn’t have to be much. A simple thank you or a smile goes a long way. What about helping someone carry their groceries to the car or just opening the door for them or letting them into the queue of traffic? The more you do these simple acts, the lighter and happier you’ll feel. Of course this assumes that you do them with an open heart. If you do them begrudgingly then you’ll just turn bitter and sour as you’re only really focusing on what you’re going to get out of it. Another brilliant paradox of life. Be generous wisely and contentment with balance will follow.