“All life is suffering.” –The first Buddhist Noble Truth.

“Life is Difficult.

This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths.  It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it.  Once we truly see that life is difficult – once we truly understand and accept it – then life is no longer difficult.  Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.” – The Road Less Travelled

We cannot avoid events in our life that may lead to suffering. We can moderate their effect, but not eliminate them. We will witness unhappy circumstance, dissatisfaction, injustice, sickness and death – falling on others and ourselves.

Nothing indemnifies us against the potential for suffering.

It’s how we bear it that determines the degree of our equanimity.

It’s how we attempt to avoid it that determines the degree of our neurosis.

It’s our formula for avoiding responsibility for that which we cause, by apportioning metaphysical blame for it, that determines the degree of our religiosity or spurious, but fast-held, philosophical platitudes.

What greater motivators are there to inflict suffering than greed and god?

Is suffering that is pleasurable (bittersweet) still suffering?

Buddhism - The Four Noble Truths

   1. TO LIVE, IS TO SUFFER
   2. Suffering arises from attachment [to our desires]
   3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases
   4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path


#1 hits ya where it hurts!

Doesn't it?
Eh?       




It is futile to try to avoid, what we cannot avoid.

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."

    - Frank Herbert, 'Dune'

Annie Anthrax wrote on May 6^th, 2012 at 2:35pm:

If being separated from its object causes grief, then it is.

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on May 6^th, 2012 at 2:21pm:


Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
(Compare with: The Entropy of the universe increases with time. Only energy input can decrease Entropy )
                            
Suffering is voluntary. Nobody can hurt you unless you personally agree to it.

muso wrote on May 7^th, 2012 at 11:04am:


I am not so sure about that. It seems to occur on an unconscious level where we have no choice in the matter. But, I agree that over time one can learn to overcome and handle suffering. It takes a special kind of self-discipline. I would also add that it makes a huge difference in how we interpret suffering. For example, Christianity has inserted a whole mystical and metaphysical dimension in to suffering. This is very unhelpful as it gives its origins to something mysterious and out of our control, to something that we can never atone for. Additionally, it doesn't give us any practical solutions on how to overcome it. I think the Buddhists are on the right track, similarly with artists. Artists usually go through immense personal suffering but have the genius and will to sublimate this into something creative. Don't get me started on those who believe we can have political solutions to suffering.

muso wrote on May 7^th, 2012 at 11:04am:



From my own perspective, happiness is an attitude, which i can choose.

Rather than happiness being an emotion which i seek, in the world.

When i feel happiness, >> i << produce that feeling.



I can't change the world, but i can change me,  .....that is, i can change how i feel.

I am not a 'victim' [.....of this world].

I am the author of my own circumstances [....at least to a certain extent].

Yadda wrote on May 7^th, 2012 at 12:37pm:


Some of the most progressive posts, totally support the ideal. I have from a young age always believed that i own what happens in my life, good or bad. If i own it no matter what then i can do something about it. It is not someone else's fault nor is blame attributable. Life is so much happier that way and i am satisfied with my lot, looking to improve myself but proud of what i have achieved.