Body and Mind. . .

Buddhist teachings say one can achieve happiness through physical and mental well-being. Through simple methods such as dietary choices, meditation, exercising, and just maintaining a healthy living environment, achieving happiness as a Buddhist is not outside the realm of possibility.

Monks follow strict dietary restrictions, which follow the belief that a regular and proper diet should cure hunger, relieve thirst, and prevent illnesses while avoiding unnecessary consumption such as snacking. Meanwhile, less strict monks cook in their monasteries and aim for high-quality, wholesome, flavorful, yet healthy cuisine as opposed to processed or chemically-preserved ingredients. You can follow the formal monastery’s “three bowls” dietary system, consisting of grain-based dishes such as rice or porridge, followed by stew or soup, and accompanied by vegetables or salad. This three-bowl system heavily emphasizes slow carbs, protein, and fibers. For vegans, you can follow Buddhist monks’ diet consisting of soy or wheat gluten-based meat substitutes such as Seitan. Experienced Buddhists who are present to both mental and physical states regularly are less likely to feel drained, upset, or enraged, and their brain regions linked with positive emotions are more active overall. This also makes them less prone to anxiety, paranoia, and fear. If we consider the body and the mind the universe we CAN care for in meaningful ways then we are more accepting and prepared when moments or illness, stress or lack of understanding arise. “Every human being is the author of their own health, happiness, and abilities to cope with life’s moments.” – The Buddha