I love this thread. I wish I found this earlier in my life. Hell, it took me a while to find my own way. If people reading this have trouble finding their own way, Buddhism ideals may help you start to find your own.
Buddhism does a wonderful job at finding inner peace and instilling a better life for you and those around you. I'm not saying you should strait up become Buddhist, I follow it but don't consider myself Buddhist, but The Buddha did know what he was talking about.
For those who are interested, I'll make a quick run through of my personal interpretation of Buddhism, feel free to ignore.
The Four Noble Truths:- 1. life is "Suffering". Suffering is a rough English Translation. It means that in life there will be Anguish, Doubt, Regret, Disappointment, ect.
- 2. This "Suffering" is caused by "Thirst"/Desire. Lust, Greed, Gluttony, Envy, and Sloth. Not trying to to say the sever sins, but those cover most desires.
- 3.This "Suffering" can be reduced or "Cured" by removing ones self of "Thirst".
- 4. A way to remove ones self of "Thirst" and there-by "Suffering" is to follow the eight fold path.
The Eightfold Path:- 1. A Just View
- 2. Just Thoughts
- 3. Just Speech
- 4. Just Action
- 5. Just Livelihood
- 6. Right Effort
- 7. Right Awareness
- 8. Right Concentration
Self interpretationNot only are the four noble truths left up to interpretations, but so are each parts of the eightfold path. They are not meant to be each mastered and forgotten, but to all be done together. Through doing this you will find that you will not be greedy, or gluttonous. You will be instilled with a sense of integrity and a want for excellence.
See these parts of the path how you will, but if you honestly follow them they will lead to self enlightenment, or at least a healthy, happy lifestyle.