Do you ever feel like you’re in a constant state of chaos and overstimulation? That’s what it’s like to have an ADHD brain. The mind is always whirring, making it difficult to focus and stay on track. It’s like having a monkey in your head, constantly jumping from one thought to the next. But, there is a way to solve this problem. Over 2,500 years ago, the Buddha discovered how to tame the monkey mind and bring peace and clarity to life.
The Wheel of Samsara
The Buddha taught that the root of all suffering is the wheel of samsara. This is the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that we all experience. He believed that we are constantly being drawn back into this cycle of suffering due to our attachment to worldly desires and cravings. The only way to escape the wheel of samsara is to let go of these attachments and recognize that our true nature is not tied to these desires.
In order to do this, the Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths. These truths are the foundation of Buddhism, and they are the key to understanding how to break the cycle of samsara.
The Four Noble Truths
The First Noble Truth is that life is suffering. This may seem like a pessimistic view of life, but it is actually an invitation to become mindful of our suffering and to recognize it for what it is. By recognizing our suffering, we can begin to break free from it and find true happiness and peace.
The Second Noble Truth is that suffering is caused by craving and attachment. This is the root cause of the monkey mind. Our brains are constantly seeking out pleasure and avoiding pain, which leads us to become attached to things that give us pleasure and avoid things that cause us pain. This creates a cycle of suffering that is hard to break.
The Third and Fourth Noble Truths
The Third Noble Truth is that suffering can be overcome by letting go of attachments and cravings. This is the key to taming the monkey mind. By recognizing that our cravings and attachments are the source of our suffering, we can begin to let go of them and find true peace and happiness.
The Fourth Noble Truth is that the path to overcoming suffering is The Eightfold Path. This is a set of eight principles for living a life of mindfulness and enlightenment. The Eightfold Path includes Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. By following these principles, we can break free from the cycle of samsara and find true peace and happiness.
Neuroscience Proves That The Buddha Solved The Problem
Mindfulness meditation is an important element of the Buddha’s eight-fold path to enlightenment. Attachment to thoughts, emotions, and desires is the source of mental suffering. Studies have found a strong correlation between unhappiness and “mind-wandering.” Meditation practices have a dulling effect on the default mode network (DMN). Mindfulness meditation increases communication between different parts of the brain. This can lead to better overall brain function, improved cognitive control, and greater resilience to stress.
Meditation strengthens the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain responsible for executive functions. A 2011 study found that participation in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was associated with increases in gray matter concentration. By improving cognitive function, mindfulness meditation can boost our ability to make rational decisions. This can lead to positive changes in psychological well-being. Executive functions include attention, decision-making, and self-control. MBSR is a program that consists of mindfulness meditation and yoga. Mindfulness meditation can help improve cognitive function. This can lead to better psychological well-being.
Conclusion
The monkey mind can be tamed, but it takes work and dedication. The Buddha’s teachings on The Four Noble Truths, and The Eightfold Path offer a way to break free from the cycle of samsara and find true peace and happiness. If you’re looking for a way to bring some calm and clarity to your life, take some time to explore the teachings of the Buddha and learn how to tame your monkey mind
Howling Yeti 
Leave a comment