Living a meaningful life, with the Dhamma as my moral compass

“Making time to do service to give back to the community brings me much joy.”

As far from the beginning as I can remember, I used to identify the causes of favourable and unfavourable outcomes to only external circumstances. This caused a lot of discontent and dissatisfaction on a personal level as I had so many expectations and perspectives on how things should come to be. In restrospect, I can see how much attachment I had to my own views and how I suffered from this thinking.

When I had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the Buddha’s Teachings in the Dhamma-living Camp for Young Adults, the Dhamma have become my moral compass. I am always developing the ability to see life experiences as they really are and reflect on them within the Four Noble Truths.

When I experience unhappiness and discontent, I remind myself that I can let it go. I can drop the bitterness and continue on with an open mind and heart. Facing the reality of life, whether good or bad is necessary for us to grow. is real, being with the down moments rather than carrying unprocessed pain everywhere you go.

I also grateful for opportunities to serve the community and develop virtues together with good spiritual friends. By contributing to platforms for others to learn Dhamma, this allows me to ‘pay-it-forward’. It is a very fulfilling way to spend me time.

To me, living a meaningful life is to follow the path that lights you up and makes you a better person. Deep down, you know it is the right path even when it is not an easy path, because this journey will be the most worthwhile.

– Bro. Edmund Low