Upāsaka

A few days ago, I fell into the YouTube rabbit hole, watching video after video for several hours. Before I began watching, I told myself that after a few videos, I would be satisfied. After more than a few videos, I did not find the satisfaction that I was looking for.

In the Rājā Sutta, the Buddha says:

Any sensual bliss in the world, any heavenly bliss, isn't worth one sixteenth-sixteenth of the bliss of the ending of craving.

Going forward, I have two options when I find myself in a similar situation. I can either indulge in sensual pleasures, or I can strive for long-term happiness.

I created this blog for accountability. The title, Upāsaka, reflects the idea that I am going to practice the Dhamma more seriously from now on. I hope it will serve as inspiration for others to practice diligently as well.

Here are some blogs that inspired me to start this one:

• Dhamma Reflections
• Cattāri Brahmavihārā
• Zen Habits
• aberMinimal

At first, my plan was to create a blog similar to many of the “minimalism” blogs out there. However, there are plenty of those, and many of their authors actually stopped writing or gave up minimalism entirely. Minimalism is a broad concept that has no end. How do you know when you are minimalist enough?

After several years of reading about Theravada Buddhism, listening to Dhamma talks, practicing meditation, and following the five precepts (well, mostly—that is what this blog is for), now is a good time to sincerely dedicate myself to the Buddha's teachings as an upāsaka.