Lessons from Buddhism
Sam Dakart
Sep 7, 2025
Here some lesson's I've learned form Buddhism that have dramatically changed the way I think about and engage with everything.
Lessons from Studying Buddhism
Studying and and reading about the teachings of Buddhism has helped give me language to explain some of the concepts I've been wresting with since leaving Christianity. I would not consider myself a Buddhist, but I have found that of the many philosophies and religions I've come across it is the closest to explaining how I understand the universe.
Here are some the main ideas that stand out to me. I think we can all benefit from considering these concepts.
Transformation of Suffering
Suffering is caused by resistance to what is, or a craving for what isn't.
Mindfulness & Presence
Deep looking, listening and feeling. Feel the peaceful rise & fall of your breath. In this moment you have everything you need to be happy.
This too Shall Pass
What you are experiencing right now will change before you realize it. Be grateful for the pleasant moments and rest assured the negative ones will soon pass.
Non-Dualism
All things exist together as one. Distinctions like good & evil or something & nothing are simply illusions of our perception.
Separation Consciousness
We experience separation from each other, but we are one dynamic system. When you suffer, I suffer. When I give to you I give back to myself.
Independent Co-Arising
Both cause and effect are intrinsically attached to each other. Neither the chicken nor the egg came first, they exist together.
What You Resist Persists
If a cricket keeps you up at night, the more frustrated you get, the louder it will sound.
Buddhism is a deep belief system and philosophy. Most Buddhist may even disagree and say it's not a belief but a practice. So many of the Buddha's teaching fly directly in the face of the Western, capitalistic mindset. In these teachings I think there is a lot of value for all of us, but especially us Americans.
