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F ORUM FORUM | EASTERN HORIZON 55

Tenzin Tsepal: We need to be clear about the values and compared to the time, effort and trouble required to get
principles we want to live by, and why. That way we it. Seeing this repeatedly in real time, one fine day the
start each day with strong aspirations to refrain from realization will arise that it’s not worth all that and it’s
harming ourselves or others, to benefit others as much easier to just not follow the habitual compulsion. This
as possible, and for all of our actions to be influenced will naturally lead to fostering more appreciation of our
by compassion, bodhicitta, and the understanding of present life.
dependent arising and emptiness. At the end of each
day, we check if we acted with integrity, rejoice when we Ming Yi: The Buddha Dharma can guide us in cultivating
were successful, and purify any misdeeds. This way, our healthier relationships with technology by promoting
compassion and wisdom keep growing. mindfulness and awareness. Practicing mindfulness
helps us recognize our habitual impulses to check
As Buddhists, our aim in life is to transform our emails or notifications, allowing us to pause and choose
minds and actions to overcome duhkha and its more consciously. Engaging in regular meditation
causes. To that end, let’s ask ourselves, “How deeply fosters a deeper connection to the present moment,
have I taken the Buddha’s teachings on karma to reducing the urge to seek constant distractions. By
heart? Am I generous? Do I retaliate when harmed?” reflecting on the impermanence of digital interactions,
Meditating daily strengthens our Buddhist world we can appreciate the value of real-life connections.
view. Cultivating compassion for others brings Establishing boundaries around technology use, such
happiness to self and others. as designated times for checking devices, can also
help create space for more meaningful experiences.
The more we apply the four noble truths, the more Ultimately, these practices encourage a greater
we’ll recognize the futility of seeking fulfilment from appreciation for the richness of our present lives.
money, power, fame or the next shiny technological tool.
Then our precious time, energy and resources will be Tenzin Tsepal: Digital compulsion is not a pathology,
supported by ethical conduct and compassion, matching but a result of the online world’s ability to tap into
outer technology with Buddha’s inner technology. something in our human psyche—a deep need to feel
connected. Defining our existence by an online presence
How can the Buddha Dharma help us cultivate stimulates fear that we’ll miss out on something,
healthier relationships with technology, reducing triggering an almost unbearable existential anxiety.
over-dependence and the compulsive need to
check our emails or text notifications every so When we are clear about our aspirations and the
often, and thereby fostering more appreciation of purpose of our lives, we won’t fritter away our time
our present life? and energy on meaningless activities. We’ll see that

relationships with living sentient beings is so much
Aggacitta: We can use the approach that Gotama did more important than being glued to a screen or
before he attained supreme awakening. Expressed in a creating an online persona or keeping up on the latest
modern idiom, this means: to experientially understand digital innovations.

1. the gratification of over-dependence and Instead we’ll limit our screen time and stop addictive
compulsiveness, scrolling. We’ll make time to meditate to develop our
2. their drawbacks and good qualities and talents so we can better contribute
3. the escape from them. to others’ lives and to society in general. We’ll
attend Dharma teachings regularly and set aside time
When one experiences the gratification with for retreat to recharge our practice and cultivate our
mindfulness and clear awareness, it will eventually spiritual intelligence.
become very clear that the satisfaction is short-lived