Buddhism and not being popular

[isthatso]

It's just their ability to manipulate and influence which peeves me no end.
Am I just jealous? Maybe.
As you say, just plod on focussing on my own contribution, my own attitude.
This Buddhist tenet of loving kindness to all is so elusive for me!

[Jason Smith]

Just remember that these things are empty, not real. Mediate. Watch how you feel as these feelings will rise and fall. All things will pass. The dharma in not just practiced on your meditation cushion. Bring the dharma into your daily routine. Take a good look at the Mind Training Slogans to help you get through situations like these. If you need references for these texts contact me. I have several Mnd Training Manuals. One written by Jamgon Kongtrul, no less and I also have a translation of one of the original Mind Training books by Nam-Kha Pel titled Mind Training Like the Rays of the Sun. This is the pith volume that most of the following works came from. (I have too much attachment to my books!) Yes, Alisha's steps of mind training make practice so much easier (or harder) in the real world. You will benefit results when in situations like the ones you described.

Remember, that the ones who try to make you feel unpopular are suffering. Their suffering may be more than yours. Be compassionate. If they throw the proverbial hot stone at you, don't pick it up to hurl it back because it will just burn you too.

[Aloka]

Take a good look at the Mind Training Slogans to help you get through situations like these. If you need references for these texts contact me.

Hi Jason,

New members like yourself can't send or receive personal messages as soon as they join us - please see the "Help" information in the strip at the top of the page.

I have several Mnd Training Manuals. One written by Jamgon Kongtrul, no less and I also have a translation of one of the original Mind Training books by Nam-Kha Pel titled Mind Training Like the Rays of the Sun. This is the pith volume that most of the following works came from. (I have too much attachment to my books!) Yes, Alisha's steps of mind training make practice so much easier (or harder) in the real world. You will benefit results when in situations like the ones you described.

I assume you are refering to commentaries on Atisha's Seven Points of Mind Training and these can be found at the links below, as well as others elsewhere on the internet:

http://www.rinpoche.com/teachings/sevenpoints.htm

http://www.dharmadownload.net/pages/...glish_0030.htm

I would suggest that in general, the best approach for anyone who's seriously interested in Tibetan Buddhist teachings is to go to a Tibetan Buddhist Centre in order to learn more about the teachings directly from an actual teacher, as well as the way that they're meant to be practised.


Anyway....back to the main topic again !

with kind wishes,

Aloka

[Nattefrost]

Very good topic!

Ripemango, I think first you should try to forgive yourself for being bothered by these thoughts/feelings. It is absolutely natural that you would like to be as popular as your other colleagues. There is no such a thing that you "should not" be bothered. I have experienced similar feelings many times - and later found out that blaming myself for that I "should not" have said/felt/done a certain thing will duplicate unhappiness and unsatisfaction - dukkha. It is even enough to cope with the feeling itself, without judging yourself for the feeling!

I really like what The Thinker says: being yourself, being aware of your own morality can often be more important than being popular. Even if there are many ways of gaining popularity, it is better to be yourself.

Care about those who are really important to you. Try to accept that everyone is different, and therefore we cannot like everybody in the same way - and we cannot expect to be liked by everyone in the same way. Not everyone has achieved the state of mind where endless metta can flow towards all living beings.

[Deepankar]

Most of the people who are popular or even famous are not having a good morality because they feel on top of others and they feel they can say and do what they want and get away with it. so in my view thats not much to strive after.

Just be you self and let life pass. just be aware of your own morality and how you act upon other, then i think in the end, you are the one who have gained the most in your life among your friends and in your professional work :)

The thinker

Great post. Be metta and be humble and be relax.

[ledboots]

Hi ripemango,

Perhaps you could try doing some Metta (loving kindness/goodwill) practice (5 minute video)

Thank you; this video I needed to see today. :)