C.Crew December 2013 | Page 24

The symbol seen above has a lot of meaning, not only to me but also to the world. The symbol is known as the Om symbol, the universal sign of peace. This symbol transcends from the Buddhist teachings and religion. Buddhism known as a religion indigenous to the Indian subcontinent that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, who is commonly known as the Buddha, meaning "the awakened one". I have personally discovered Buddha’s teachings when I was going through a time where I didn’t know if what I was doing in life was right for me. I love my life and I am truly blessed to have the life I live but there were times where I   couldn’t help but second guess if what I was doing at school, in my relationship with my family and friends and my boyfriend were all correct. I began to question a lot of things around me and I found myself going crazy. I received an email from Barnes and Noble stating popular books and from there I saw this book about Buddha. It didn’t take long for me to purchase it and fall in love with each teaching and meaning of life. It has not only helped me mentally but it has affected my life in such a positive way. I have learned to block out the negative and only accept the positive and for me it has done wonders. 24