Like many problems, gambling addiction (also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling or gambling disorder) may result from a combination of biological, genetic and environmental factors, and can affect people from all walks of life.

What starts as an occasional leisure-time activity, or a way to solve their problems by turning what little money they have into a larger sum… gambling can soon become an unhealthy obsession for some people.

To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy, or way of life that focuses on personal spiritual development. Buddhists strive for a deep insight into the true nature of life, and do not worship gods or deities.

Who was Buddha?

Siddhartha Gautama was the founder of Buddhism. He was born in the north-eastern part of India into the family of the chief of the Shakya clan in Lumbini (now in Nepal), sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE (around 2,500 years ago). At the time of his birth, several scholars predicted he would become a great king or holy man.

Everybody wants to be happy, and research into what makes individuals and communities thrive has grown in popularity in recent years. One such report, called the Harvard Happiness Study, is one of many that highlights the importance of having a broad range of social connections to family, friends and the community for a happy, healthy life. However, relationships can be tricky, and sometimes we need to work on our own personal development in order to build those relationships successfully. So here’s my list of ten key skills, that in my experience, will help us to be happy.