Novak Djokovic is, arguably, the best tennis player in history. He has won 13 Grand Slam finals—and more than anything else, the recent Wimbledon championship after suffering a shoulder injury two years ago. His rating plummeted after the injury, but now he is roaring back. Undoubtedly, his observance of noble Buddhist principles has contributed towards his great success.

When asked about his meditation practice, Djokovic said:

“I do [meditation] out of a need to have an optimal state of mind and peace and calm, and at the same time happiness and joy. Everybody has their ways to reach that state of consciousness where you’re in a good mood and you feel love towards yourself, towards people around you, towards the planet. So I try to be aligned with this kind of approach and mindset in life.”

A place Djokovic frequently visits during his Wimbledon tour is the Thai Buddhist temple nearby. Referring to his regular visit to the temple every year, he said:

“Obviously, there is a huge amount of pressure and stress in everything involved, so you need to have a place where you know you can switch off and recharge your batteries. I guess it’s private, in a way. But I just can say that it’s a very calm and very beautiful environment where I like to spend time.”

What is important in these words is that he has given an example about how to use meditation for everyday life.  His profession is playing tennis, and he uses meditation to achieve highest success in his field.

Equally interesting is his diet. Similar to the two Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, Djokovic is a vegan. Importantly, he has become a vegan not only for health benefits and fitness but also for the respect for life.

Commenting on the benefits of a vegan diet, he said:

“Eating vegan makes me more aware of my body on the court… more alert. I removed toxins from my body, and with them went all the inflammation and other things that were messing with my energy levels. As an athlete, the most important thing is to keep your energy levels consistent—especially as a tennis player, where you’re alone on the court for a best of five match. When playing for 3, 4, 5 hours straight, you need the right fuel… and for me, the right fuel is plant-based.”

Djokovic cares about his body and the mind in the most appropriate way, and consequently, he reaps maximum benefits. His Buddhist way of living is a great example for many others to follow.

Sources:
https://amuse-i-d.vice.com/djokovic-on-meditation-yoga-veganism/
https://www.livekindly.co/vegan-tennis-stars-wimbledon/

Similar to last summer, the Vihara will hold the main summer workshop for both children and adults this Sunday (july 22) from 9: 00 a.m. It will cover several of the very important areas that are pertinent to your everyday life, physical and mental well-being, and success.

Topics covered in the workshop include:

Physical fitness and Inner Wellbeing
Theoretical Approach to Our Health Problems
Time Management
High School from the Perspective of Recent Graduates

Importantly, this workshop is not just for children; parents also will immensely benefit.

Invitation to Maha Sangha for observing the Vassa Retreat will take place at the Vihara on July 28, Saturday, from 7:00 pm. Three monks will observe Vassa this year. They are Bhantes Rahula, Sirirathana, and Maithree.

Vassa invitation takes place on the day after the full-moon day of July, and immediately after the invitation, the Bhikkhus will observe Vassa. Every day thereafter, they will follow special rituals throughout the Vassa season, including daily chanting at 7:00 p.m. inside the shrine hall except on Saturdays.

Special Saturday Dhamma programs during the Vassa season will be announced on the day of Vassa invitation. As you did last year, each program can be sponsored.

Program:

7:00 p.m.: A brief Puja
7:15 p.m.: Traditional invitation to Maha Sangha by Jeewana and Savithri Seneviratne family, the main sponsor of this year’s Kathina ceremony
7:45 p.m.: Dhamma talk
8:30 p.m.: Dinner organized by Seneviratne family