Lessons from Buddha that will Make us Better Travelers.

The enlightened one ( Buddha as we call ) was a runaway prince. He gave up on his kingdom , comfort and most of all his identity to seek for his truth.
Many of us do the same, don't we ? And which is why as travelers we can connect to Buddha and his teachings.
More importantly, We don’t need to be a Buddhist to borrow some spiritual wisdom and integrate it into our (traveler’s) life.
As traveling itself is one of the best ways to learn and become a better version of yourself, a Buddhist mentality can only add to the experience.
Here are 5 Buddhist beliefs that we can use while we are traveling to feel calmer in the face of difficulties, immerse ourselves in our journeys and simply feel happier on the road.

THE GIANT FACE OF PEACEFUL BUDDHA IN THIKSHEY MONASTERY LADAKH.

Learn to let go.

“You only lose what you cling to,” said the Buddha.
If we don’t try to possess a thing, we cannot lose it. and that makes it forever ours. To let go is an art that will improve our whole life, whether it be with relationships, friends, possessions or jobs.

On the road: Embrace minimalism and learn to pack only the basics. I don’t encourage you to voluntarily let go of your wallet, but if it happens to get stolen, it’s no use making a drama out of it – that won’t help you. Just move on and accept your new conditions.

MONKS TAKING A PILGRIMAGE TOWARDS BUDDHA, IN TRAILS FROM CAMBODIA.

It is better to travel well than to arrive.

What matters the most is not the final destination but the journey itself. We’re sure you’ve heard this thousands of times before, and you’ll hear it many more times throughout your travels because it’s true.

On the road: Enjoy every step of the journey. Don’t spend all your time on board a bus or a plane just waiting to arrive. Instead, use the time to talk to people, read with ravenous anticipation about your destination or listen to some local music from the place you’re visiting (which you have downloaded in advance because you already know this music habit will change your trips).

FROM A MONASTERY IN THAILAND.

Get to know yourself

“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles.” Buddha said it , and we cannot but agree with it totally. All our stress , confusion and issues are rooted in the fact that we do not know ourselves that well. We are constantly figuring it out, and that is okay indeed, as long as we keep doing it.

On the road: Even though traveling might seem like little more than a leisure activity, it actually changes you in a subtle way, no matter how you travel. Regardless of whether you go on short trips or year-long journeys, you will come back a changed – and in many ways better-rounded – person. We get to know ourselves when we face situations that take us out of our comfort zone.

WITH MY CLIENTS AT THE GIANT BUDDHA FROM, SPITI LANGZA ROM

When we share our happiness, it doesnt decrease.

If our happiness is a candle and you share the light with others, your light doesn’t decrease. Happiness is anyways only real , when shared. Christopher Mcandles ( Read " Into The Wild ") had to travel for years, and die in Alaska to realize this truth. I hope we realize it sooner.

On the road: Share happy moments on the road with the local people you meet along the way, as well as friends and family back home. Take the time to send news back home – your loved ones will be happy to know you’re safe and having fun.

A SHRINE TO BUDDHA IN THE JUNGLES AMIDST OF SRILANKA.

Gratitude is surest way to Happiness.

There are hundred of books discussing all the advantages of gratefulness, and I am going to add to that to my best teaching learnt, reminding you & myself to take a moment to be grateful for what we have when we’re feeling low.

On the road: The very fact you can afford to travel is reason enough to feel thankful, because millions of people around the world can’t even dream of that luxury for various reasons (poverty, war, political restrictions etc.). Take a minute before going to sleep to feel gratitude for all the amazing things that happened to you during the day.

MONKS WORSHIPPING BUDDHA , IN LAOS.

Throughout my journeys, in places that practice Buddhism , I have found a harmony that suits my own perspectives. It's teachings connect to me most of all religions that I read and understood about. This small article is only a partial understanding of my faith in it.
Let me know your thoughts on this, and do let me know what are your valuable Lessons from traveling learnt from the Buddha.
Connect with me on Instagram @deepjyoti_biswas.
Stay safe, and may Buddha be with You.

MOST PEACEFUL BUDDHA FROM BHUTAN. THANKS TO HIM I HAVE THIS AMAZING LIFE. MAY HE BRING PEACE TO ALL.