Secular Motivation
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Welcome Bruno.
In the original Buddhist scriptures, it is reported the Buddha gave many teachings about livelihood, including Right Livelihood in the Noble Eightfold Path. The Buddha encouraged lay or secular people to study & be proficient in earning a living.
One meaning of the Indian word 'dharma' is 'duty'. From a Buddhist perspective, education is less about personal achievement & more about performing personal 'duty' because each person must earn a living so they can eat food & buy shelter. Education is similar to the need to breathe.
You only have one semester to finish your degree and your old 'attachment' & your new 'aversion' are hindrances to your concentration.
If you change your view and simply see completing your education as a personal 'duty'; then your concentration will be more pure.
'Secular knowledge' in relation to livelihood is something considered very valuable from a Buddhist perspective. Most famous Western Buddhist monks completed their university degrees when they were secular students.
When I was at university, I did not enjoy what I was studying but I finished. I never ever worked in the specialty I studied but the degree has helped me get work because completing a degree is a sign (to employers) you are intelligent & have discipline.
My opinion is to finish this semester first. Be in the present moment. Focus on today only & notice how yesterday has now passed. Study, one day at time, not thinking about tomorrow. Leave thinking about what you would love to do to a later time.
"To reside in a suitable locality, to have performed meritorious actions in the past, and to set oneself in the right direction β this is the highest blessing.
"Vast learning, skill in handicrafts, well grounded in discipline and pleasant speech β this is the highest blessing.
"To support one's father and mother; to cherish one's wife and children, and to be engaged in peaceful occupations β this is the highest blessing.
Maha-mangala Sutta
~~~
You shouldn't chase after the past or place expectations on the future. What is past is left behind. The future is as yet unreached. Whatever quality is present you clearly see right there, right there. Not taken in, unshaken, that's how you develop the heart.
Bhaddekaratta Sutta
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