For several years now, we have been working with our own needs…
We have eaten plant-based foods for many years, but are attached neither to vegetarian nor meat-based eating, so do not feel awkward when joining us. Consciousness needs sufficient readiness; then we do not have to force ourselves to eat this way—we do so naturally, easily, comfortably, and joyfully.
I myself have only a few shirts, all alike, so each day I do not have to stand before a wardrobe and waste energy choosing clothes. What else? A few pairs of trousers, 1 pair of sandals, and 1 pair of shoes. I stopped needing a car years ago and sold it long ago. Since my twenties, I have become freer; now I prefer riding a motorbike together and enjoying the city streets.
Stop using leather and fur products, and minimize plastic, paper, and environmentally destructive waste… I have never resonated with or felt drawn to designer goods, do not know their prices, and choose roles in life that do not require attention to them.
Not denying or escaping material life in the name of spirituality, some businesses continue operating and regenerating cash flow to expand their impact on society.
Nor should we invoke material things to remain ignorant of the spiritual. One of our greatest illusions is thinking that the money we earn belongs to us. Money is a flow you merely hold temporarily, to serve you, help you and many others at that moment, but it is not truly yours. Only what you can take with you when you die truly belongs to you.
No longer needing to seek acknowledgment or recognition (regconition). When we do not act for money, we may act for this need, which is very subtle. Difficult memories surrounding recognition drive us to pursue acknowledgment, please others or pretend not to care, explain ourselves excessively and try too hard to change others' opinions of us. These distortions of consciousness require mindful awareness to be recognized…
When you are balanced, you touch the truth and no longer need to seek so much; you are therefore truly fulfilled and prosperous.
Truth does not lie at the extremes, but in the middle path. At one extreme, we always lack what lies at the opposite, so we are not truly fulfilled. On the middle path, you need nothing yet have everything.
Tết is also a time to reflect on this balanced and fulfilling way of life. Without balance, you may swing from one extreme to another, studying or working “crazily” throughout the year, then partying and resting just as “crazily” during Tết.
To be honest, I behave quite similarly on ordinary days of the year and during Tết. During Tết, I also devote time to my spirit, family, health, work, and study… It is really no different from an ordinary day. Of course, there are still special things: the feeling of moving into a new cycle, a gathering of energy, the meaning of a happy reunion… Even so, let Tết be truly joyful. For that to happen, Tết needs to be relaxed and lighthearted, without too much pressure or formality. Do not let Tết bring more exhaustion or worry. You have already worried about enough things all year; let Tết be joyful.
So a balanced, minimalist lifestyle can transform your Tết. I hope this article and 1 video of this morning's Awakening Meditation session on the quality of balance can offer good examples, giving you more energy and motivation to practice this.
You can watch the video by clicking this link:
